TRANSACTIONS

THE LEICESTERSHIRE

SOCIETY.

VOL. IV. —PART 3.

LEICESTER: SAMUEL CLARKE, 5, GALLOWTREE GATE. 1877. Contents.

PAGE ANNUAL MEETING, 27th January, 1873 ..... 191 TBEASUHE-TROVE, IN CONNECTION WITH ANGLO-SAXON COINS STRUCK AT LEICESTER, by the fiev. Asshetou Pownall, E.D., F.S.A. . 194 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 31st March, 1873 .... 199 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 26th May, 1873 . . . . .199 LEICESTER STAINED GLASS, by Mr. North (with Illustrations) . 199 GENERAL SUMMER MEETING AT COVENTRY, 22nd and 23rd July, 1873 . 202 KENILWORTH CASTLE, REMARKS ON, by Mr. James Thompson . 203 LOCAL NOMENCLATURE, by Mr. W. G. Fretton .... 205 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 28th July, 1873 .... 212 INVENTORIES or FRAMLAND DEANERY, Co. LEICESTER, by the Eev. Mackenzie E. C. Walcott, F.S.A. .... 213 LEICESTER STAINED GLASS, by Mr. North (with Illustrations) . . 220 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 29th September, 1873 . . .223 BEMARKS ON AN ANCIENT SEAL OF THE BOROUGH OF LEICESTER, by Mr. Wm. Kelly, F.E.H.S...... 325 CONTENTS.

PAOE BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 24th November, 1873 . 227 THE PBOPOSED DEMOLITION OF WIOSTON'B HOSPITAL, LEICESTER, by Mr. James Thompson . . . 229 LEICESTER STAINED GLASS, by Mr. North (with Illustrations) 232 ANNUAL MEETING, 26th January, 1874 .... 242 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 30th March, 1874 . . . 248 DISCOVERY OF LEADEN COFFINS IN LEICESTER, by Major Bellairs . 246 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 25th May, 1874 ... 249 LEICESTER STAINED GLASS, by Mr. North (with Illustrations) . . 350 SPECIAL MEETING, 14th July, 1874 ... 253 « BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 27th July, 1874 ... 254 LEICESTER STAINED GLASS, by Mr. North (with Illustrations) 254 REPORT FOR 1872. 191

January 27th, 1873.

THE REV. ASSHETON POWNALL, F.S.A., in the chair. Tne HONORARY SECRETARY read the following REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1872. IN placing before the Members of the Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society a short review of its proceedings during the year 1872, the Committee are pleased to be able to again congratulate them upon its continued prosperity. Although, unfortunately, death has called away a few Members, and a still fewer have for other reasons removed their names from the Member Roll, still the losses thus sustained have been more than counterbalanced by the election of other gentlemen who will, your Committee trust, take a deep interest in the Society's work. The bi-monthly meetings have been fairly attended, and their value sustained. Your Committee again urge upon Members the desirability of making the Transac­ tions of the Society the record of all local antiquarian discoveries, and the meetings the means of placing before others the inspection of archaaological relics illustrative of art or domestic life in past times. The bi-monthly meetings are specially fitted to attain both these ends. It having been determined to hold the Annual Summer Meeting last year at Lutterworth, a second visit to that neighbourhood—the first visit was in the year 1861—was made on the 10th September last, in conjunction with our friends of the Northants Society. The joint Societies were most cordially received and welcomed by the inhabitants of Lutterworth and its vicinity, and a most successful Congress was the result. The Museum was rich in antiquities and articles of local and general interest. The meetings for the reception of the Societies, and for the reading of Papers, were very largely attended. The Papers read were:—1. Medieval Glass Vial<, found at Lutterworth and South Kilworth; by the Rev. A. Pownall, F.S.A.—2. The Secular History of Lutterworth; by Mr. James Thompson.—3. The History and Antiquities of Elmsthorpe; by the Kev. Ernest Tower. The reading of these Papers—the subjects being local in character—elicited much attention, as did also Mr. Sharpe's description of the Palaeolithic and Neolithic remains exhibited by him in the Museum. The second day of the Congress—Wednesday, llth September—was devoted, as usual, to an Excursion to various places of interest in the locality. The fine collection of Portraits and Art Treasures at Newnham Paddox were inspected through the courtesy of the Earl of Denbigh. Monks Kirby was next visited, and its tine church and monuments described by the Rev. G. A. L'oole. Brinklow, with its immense Tumulus, was the next place on the programme. Upon arriving there, and ascending the Tumulus, Mr. James Thompson kindly gave his views concerning its origin and purpose. After an inspection of the small church, the party drove to Combe Abbey, the site of a Religious House of the Cistercian Order, and now the seat of the Earl of Craven. There (as at Newnham Paddox) the visitors—in addition to the fragments of the ancient Abbey still existing—had much to interest them in the collections of ancient armour and of ancient portraits thrown open for their inspection; and, at IVithybrooke and (Jlaybrooke, Mr. Poole described.the churches, pointing out several interesting architectural features in each building. This, with a plain substantial luncheon in the Racket Court at Combe Abbey, completed the programme of the Excursion, which your Committee think was carried out to the satisfaction of the Members present. The Publications of the Society placed in your hnnds during the past year have, your Committee venture to think, fully sustained the value attaching to those of former years. The volume of the Associated Societies contains many valuable Papers—Historical, Archaeological, and Architectural. The second part of the third o VOL. IV. 192 LEICESTEBSHIEE ARCHITECTUBAL volume of Transactions of this Society contains, in addition to a full report of the Papers read and Antiquities exhibited at its meetings from September, 1865, to September, 1866, lengthy extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts and other Documents relating to the magnificent Parish Church of Melton Mowbray, in this county. These extracts from documents then recently discovered, and many of which were scarcely decipherable, relate to the period of the Reformation, and throw considerable light upon that most interesting era of our national history. Tbe readers of local history will remember that both Throsby and Nichols mention the existence, at the time they wrote their Histories, of a series of " ancient paintings upon glass," in a bouse then belonging to and occupied by Mr. Stephens, in High*»Cross Street, Leicester. This series consisted of twenty-eight lights, arranged along one side of the hall and kitchen of that time; but which bad pre­ viously been one large room. The subjects depicted were the Seven Sacraments of the Medireval Church; some Events in the Life of the Saviour; several real and legendary Events in that of the Virgin Mary; some of the Acts of Mercy; several Saints from the Calendar of the Church of the middle ages; and the Town Arms. Some years afterwards this property changed hands, when this glass was removed from the windows, and carefully preserved by a gentleman who afterwards became one of the early Members of this Society—the Rev. Richard Stephens, Vicar of Belgrave, the son of Mr. Stephens above named. At his death it was purchased by your Honorary Secretary, Mr. North, with the intention of offering it to this Society upon the same terms as those upon which it was purchased by him, so that it should not pass into private hands, or its parts be dispersed; but that it should eventually be put in some public place of safety, and so preserved as a curious local relic. This transfer has been made, and your Society is now the owner of the glass, subject only to its remaining in Mr. North's hands until correct drawings have been made, and a description given of each subject. Mr. Traylen, architect, of Leicester, has very kindly undertaken the former duty, and Mr. North has already contributed full descriptions of two subjects. The serious illness from which he is suffering, and which the Committee deeply regret, has prevented the continuation of his Papers, which, however, it is to be hoped, he will soon be able to resume. The Honorary Secretary also read a STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS, FOR THE YEAR 1872. RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS. 1872. £. s. d. 1873. £. e. A. Jan. 1. Balance in hand from Williamson, for Associated old account .. 3112 2 Societies' Volume.. . 35 9 6 Dec. 31. Subscriptions and Grant for Transactions . 30 0 0 arrears received dur­ Do. for Ancient Glass . 17 0 0 ing the year .. 85 12 0 Crossley and Clarke .. . 3 19 9 Expenses attending Lntter worth Meeting .. . 10 6 8 Royal Archaeological Institute 110 Advertising .. ., . 0 19 0 Sundries .. .. . 0 12 7 Balance .. .. . 62 5 0 j£101 13 6 JE101 13 6

1873.—Jan. 1. Balance in hand (against which there are several out­ standing bills) .. .. £62 5s. Examined and found correct, (Signed) ALFRED WHITBY. RESOLVED that the Report and Statement of Accounts be adopted and printed. AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 193 Resolved that the thanks of the Society be given to the Worshipful the Mayor for the use of the Town Library for the bi-monthly meetings, and to the Press for so ably reporting the Proceedings of the Society. Mr. I. P. Clarke was elected a member of the Society. The following antiquities, &c., were exhibited: By the REV. CANON BUBFIELD : A small Roman urn of earthen­ ware, about four inches in height, in very good preservation, found in a gravel pit near the Belgrave Road, opposite S. Mark's Parsonage; it was full of gravelly earth. By the REV. T. FABEBKOTHER : A silver threepenny piece of Queen Elizabeth, and three other coins of the reigns of Charles I. and George II. By the REV. A. POWNALL, F.S.A.: One of the rare S. Bar­ tholomew medals, on which he made the following remarks: The rare " S. Bartholomew" medal was struck by order of Pope Gregory XIII., on the occasion of the massacre of the Huguenots, when it is asserted 30,000 persons were killed in one day. Obverse, GBEGORIVS XIII. PONT. MAX. AN. I. Head of the Pope, looking to the left; and in the exergue, F.P. The artist was Federigo Bonzague, generally called Federigo di Parma, and the letters F. P. are the initial letters of his name, Latinized, Fredericus Parmensis. Bonzagua worked for Pope Gregory, as well as for his three predecessors. Reverse, VGONNOTOBVM STBAGES, 1572 ('Slaughter of the Huguenots J. A destroying angel is represented advancing quickly, holding up in one hand the cross, in the other a drawn sword. Before the angel lie seven persons dead or dying. This medal has been engraved, and is very rare. Mr. Pownall also exhibited a gold coin of Valentinian on which he made the following remarks: Gold coin (aureus) of Valentinian I., Emperor of Rome, 364-375, A.D., found in the neighbourhood of Frome, some time ago. It reads on the obverse, D. N. VALENTINIANVS P. F. AVG., and bears the Emperor's face in profile. On the reverse he is again represented, holding in his left hand a small figure of " Victory," while in the right he grasps the " Labarum," a military standard (introduced in the time of Constantine), on which may be noticed the initial letters, in Greek characters, of the word " Christos." The coin was struck at Antioch, as we learn from the four letters in the exergue, S.M.A.Q. It was in the reign of this emperor that the great Roman Empire was first divided into the east and west; and in his time also lived and died the great champion of the orthodox faith, Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. By ME. J. HUNT : A carved sabre of foreign manufacture, and of modern date. It appeared to have been a well finished weapon, and probably belonged to an officer of Hussars or Light Cavalry. On each side the blade was engraved a mounted trooper dressed 194 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. in a braided tunic and Hessian boots. There is a name on the back, apparently German, but not decipherable. The scabbard was of wood and leather, almost entirely covered with steel. By ME. STEPHENS, the Borough Surveyor: A drawing of a fragment of Roman pavement found in excavating for a cellar on the south side of Silver Street, in this town, at a depth of three feet below the surface of the street pavement. The pattern was composed of interlacing circles within a square border, all of black, red, and white tesserae. MR. HOLYLAND called the attention of the Society to a monu­ mental slab of slate, to the memory of Alderman Gabriel Newton, now doing duty as a stone shelf in a cellar in this town. The inscription is as follows: "In memory of Gabriel Newton, Gent., one of the Aldermen and once Mayor of Leicester, who died the 26th day of October, 1762, aged 78 years. By his first wife Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. Alderman Wells, he had several chil­ dren, which all died in their minority. By his second wife Mary, daughter of George Bent, Gent., he had George Newton, who died the 8th day of March, 1746, in the 18th year of his age. By his last wife, Eleanor Bakewell, daughter of John Bakewell, Gent., of Normanton-on-the-Heath, he had no issue." It was suggested that the slab should be removed and inserted in the wall of Alderman Newton's School. The Rev. Assheton Pownall, F.S.A., read the following Paper:

TREASURE TROVE, IN CONNECTION WITH ANGLO- SAXON COINS STRUCK AT LEICESTER. A HOAED of Anglo-Saxon silver coins was discovered a few years ago at Chancton, in Sussex. It seems that upon the removal of an old barn by a hedge-row in which were some large trees, when the big root of one of the trees was cut through to allow the plough to pass, a crock was found, containing coins. Some were dispersed in the neighbourhood, but the greater number were secured for the Treasury, under the exercise of the Crown's re­ vived claim to " Treasure Trove." By order of the Treasury these were brought eventually to the medal-room at the British Museum, for examination and selection. The precise number thus obtained amounted to 1,720; and all of them, excepting 58 silver pennies of the Harold who fell at Hastings, were silver pennies of his pre­ decessor, King Edward the Confessor (1042-66, A.D.). In point of condition many of them were as fresh as the day on which they were struck, with the silver untarnished by oxide. Never before had such a rich hoard of this King's money been found, and its contents have more than doubled the specimens of King Edward's coinage in the British Museum. I am well aware that to all,

TREASURE TEOVE. 195 excepting those who study coins, an enumeration of mints and moneyers would he wearisome, and, therefore, I shall only state that of the fifty-three mints of which we possess examples in this find, as many as twenty were new. Among these fifty-three mints occurs that of Leicester, but not amongst the most prolific; for as is usually the case, the numher of Chancton coins struck at Leicester is small, as compared with that issued hy other towns of com­ paratively little importance now. The hoard has however contributed six Leicester-minted coins to the twenty-one which were already in the medal-room; and it will be interesting to townsmen of this place to see the names of those who struck money for the king, as they stand imprinted on the coins themselves:— BRYNNVSEL ON LE. LEOFWINE ON LEICE.* COLBEAND ON LEIC. HVSCARL ON LEICE. BRYNNIC ON LEIC. SWEARTCOL ON LEI.t Such are the names. Uncouth in sound, and unlike those of existing Leicester tradesmen, they are; but they once designated individuals in this old town who were men of reputation and importance in their day; for the moneyer's office was one of high trust, if nothing more. And before the sound of their names dies upon the tongue, let us try to conceive what their pleasure would have been, could they have foreseen, those eight hundred years ago, that the work of their hands would have been the subject of our remark to-day; and that in an age, so remote as ours, within the Town Library of the Guild Hall of their own Leicester, their names would again be pronounced in the hearing of Leicester men. Of the ten well-defined types of the Confessor's money, these six coins exhibit three specimens. All of them, and indeed the Chancton coins generally, are of those varieties which are accounted to have been his latest, and it is to be noted that this has been usually the case whenever his coins have been discovered in this country; while, on the other hand, his earliest types are most abundant in finds of these coins on the Continent; a circumstance for which the payment of the Dane-geld is supposed to account, its remission having taken place just about half way through the Confessor's reign, in the year 1052 A.D.

« See Engraving of this coin. Obv. + EDPERD EEX. Rev. LEOFPINE ON LEICE. t This legend must be somewhat drawn out to make its meaning clear. ON is Anglo-Saxon for our word "in," and drawn out, the inscription is to be thus under­ stood :—Brunnusel (the King's moneyer, struck this) in Leicester. It is curious how for a long time after the Conquest in spite of the substitution of Norman-French for the English tongue in State documents, upon the coins this Anglo-Saxon form of legend obtained. It only disappeared in Edward the First's reign, 1272 A.D. 196 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. I desire now to turn to some thoughts of a practical kind, which the recovery of buried hoards of ancient money compels me to enter­ tain, under the novel claim of the Crown to treasure trove. I call it the novel claim of the Crown, because the old claim of the Crown, though it may have included the new one, was something so different, that it looks like novelty to exercise it, as it is now being exercised. The old claim of the Crown demanded for the Sovereign whatever natural or hidden treasure might be found buried in the soil. Not that all treasure trove can be claimed by the Crown. According to the law of England " Treasure is an antient deposit of money, of which there is no record so as to give it an owner; for thus it becomes his who has found it, because it does not belong to another."* Lost property—treasure lost in the sea, in a river, or found placed on the surface of the soil (showing an intention to abandon it), this becomes the property of the finder. And to justify the Crown's claim " it must appear that the property was hidden, or deposited by some one, who at the time had the intention of reclaiming it." Let this be shown, and the treasure is the pro­ perty of the Crown, or of its grantees. The old Roman law was more considerate for private interests than this appears to be. With the Romans, if a man found treasure in his own ground, that treasure belonged to him; and to him equally it would belong, supposing it were found in a place consecrated to the Dii Manes, or the Dii Majores. And if the treasure were found by him on land belonging to another man, then the owner of the soil and the finder divided the spoil; and this allotment held good even if the owner were the Public, or a Corporation, or even the Emperor him­ self. This equitable recognition of the finder's claim, and the landlord's claim, in times after the Romans broke down before the claim of the Crown. It is true that in the palmy days of the Church, a difference was made in favour of ecclesiastical bodies, but it was a difference of the kind which reminds us of the lion in the fable. The lion and other beasts went a hunting. A fat stag was killed. The lion was constituted "chief commissioner" for the division of the prey. Having divided it into three portions, he laid his paw on the first, and said, " This I take officially, as king. The second, I take as my personal share in the chase; and as for the third, let him take it who dares." For example, compare the laws of even Edward the Confessor with the old Roman law, and the " jus commune et quasi gentium " which feudality and custom have established, appears to assign to the Crown an undue portion of the prize. In the xiv. chapter of the Confessor's laws all trea­ sure found in the earth is declared to belong to the King, " except it should be discovered in a church, or in a churchyard, in which

* For this, and several other statements about the law, I am indebted to an article in the " Standard Library Cyclopaedia," Vol. iv., p. 837. TEEASUKE TEOVE. 197 case the King should have the gold and one-half of the silver, the other moiety to be taken by the church, whether it were rich or poor."* This right of the Crown to concealed treasure sometimes led to strange proceedings. It tempted Richard II., among other ex­ pedients for procuring money at a time when he was very poor, to issue a writ for the discovery of black money and other subterrane­ ous treasure " hidden of old in the county of Southampton, in whosever hands it might be, and to seize it for the King's use."^ Well, when gold and silver in large quantities were habitually secreted, in consequence of that general feeling of insecurity which unsettled times begot, it might be fruitless, but it was not unfair, for a monarch to cause search to be made for supposed buried treasure, that he might add to his revenue. The actual owners had passed away from life, and if he were the finder no one but the King had better claim to it, for in him lay the original title to the soil. So much for the old crown claim. But within the last few years the exercise of this claim has taken a novel form, and the strong hand of the Crown is now stretched forth to get hold, not of sums which might fill the coffers of a king, enabling him to remit taxation and to defend his coasts, but of sums absolutely insignificant in relation to such uses. It takes possession of a few hundred old silver coins, of no importance as bullion, their true worth consisting in the light they may happen to shed on local or general history—the light which gives them their chief lustre in our eyes. It is urged that this has been done on the ground of public interest. I will not question that; but it is precisely on the same ground I question its policy. Could it be shown that all discoveries of hoarded ancient money had been dealt with even as wisely as the one now brought under consideration, it might be felt that I had no case. When however we recollect the unhappy dispersion of a find of Roman Coins, described—so far as they could be described, by one of our members,—which occurred near Market Bosworth in the summer of 1871, and recall particulars I have stated as regards these Anglo-Saxon coins, clearly the Treasury Minute is not yet all-powerful enough to ensure the preservation of those which are found, still less to secure them in the way most likely to minister to numismatic study. To persons engaged therein, I need not say that the opportunity of examining a find of coins, in the mass, is most important. Opinions regard­ ing half-settled questions can often be established by means of that sort of examination, and often by no other. Under the regulations now made the mere collector may, of course, be able to obtain specimens of a particular find, and even to fill the trays of his cabinet; but any one who aspires to determine some of the undeter-

* Wilkins, p. 203, quoted in Eliding, p. 1-11, vol. i. + Ending's Annals of the Coinage. Vol. i., p. 330. 198 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. mined points, which still cloud the numismatic history of England, must consent to make the attempt without the assistance a better system would ensure. The orders issued by the Treasury were doubtless well intended, and their occasional effect will be to save from destruction objects which might otherwise have been lost to us; but may we not reasonably ask for more than their preservation from the melting-pot of the silversmith ? Ought they not to minister to those investigations in which archasology engages us, as far as they possibly can. In my opinion a remedy for this plaint may be found, which would satisfy alike the "jus thesauri inventi" of the Crown, and the reasonable interests of the public. These last I take to be vested in, or represented by, firstly, the National Collection in the British Museum; secondly, the person of the finder; thirdly, the owner of the soil (whose title to some share of the plunder is now absolutely ignored); and though last-named, not least in my thoughts, that outsider, the coin-student, who makes it his business to draw out from a heap of old English coins, facts, which in a humble way, may be regarded as part of the history of the country. I ask this, therefore,—why, as soon as the British Museum has made its selection, why should not every find of ancient coins be sold by public auction to the highest bidder, under the authority of the Treasury? Whatever value the coins might possess beyond their intrinsic value would thus be secured. Having been sold, then let a third of the proceeds go, of right, to the finder; another to the owner of the soil (with power to take some of the coins them­ selves as part of it, by agreement with the purchaser); and lastly, let another be retained by the Crown, either for presentation, or to defray expenses incidental to the transaction. Some such plan as this, I believe, would attain the object at present held in view, as well as others, which, if regarded, are not attained. The coins would find their way at once to the hands of those who want them, and can turn them to account; while interests which clearly are in con­ flict now, would then be conspiring to a common end. It is much to be wished that these facts, and this view of them could be brought before the authorities by some person with that sort of influence which is likely to gain for them a hearing. The Lords Commissioners of the Treasury are obviously engrossed with much more important business, and the disposal of such a matter as this is naturally left to some subordinate. About his head the numismatic hive may swarm and rage, but a short letter in the large name of " My Lords " is soon written, and "hsso certamina tanta Pulveris exigui jactu compressa quiescent." Two years ago the President and Council of the Numismatic Society presented a memorial to the Treasury, asking for a reconsideration LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 199 of the present usage, but the reply to that memorial, compressive as the "small dust," was unfavourable to the prayer of the memo­ rialists. Perhaps any other answer was not to be expected, because it is only under pressure that changes are made in the practice of public offices, and to press successfully implies the possession of power. Unless, therefore, some one in power takes up the ques­ tion, I fear things will remain as they are, "to the discouragement of the study of antiquities by private individuals."

March 31st, 1873. THE EEV. ASSHETON POWNALL, F.S.A., in the chair. RESOLVED that the Annual Meeting and Excursion this year be held in conjunction with the Warwickshire Archaeological Society and Field Club. Mr. T. Jones, Princess Street, Leicester, was elected a member of the Society. REV. CANON BUEFIELD and the CHAIRMAN exhibited a number of ancient coins.

May 26^, 1873. THE REV. J. H. HILL, F.S.A., in the chair. RESOLVED that the Annual Summer General Meeting be held at Coventry. The following gentlemen were elected members:— The Rev. H. Berners Upcher, Rector of Allexton; Mr. Francis Gough of Market Harborough. ME. HUNT exhibited a richly-embroidered lady's shoe, of the early part of last century; also a half-crown and sixpence of William and Mary, in good preservation ; three Roman coins, the legends of which were undecipherable. He also exhibited a trades­ man's token, with a head and bust, and the name of Isaac Newton on the obverse; on the reverse a female figure seated, probably in­ tended for Britannia, with the word " farthing " very much defaced.

LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. ME. TEATLEN exhibited two further portions of this glass (see page 138) depicting " Our Lord in Glory " and " The Birth of the Virgin," upon which 200 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. MB. NORTH contributed the following notes :— OUR LORD IN GLORY. Both Nichols and Throsby, in describing the series of subjects depicted upon this glass, which in their day was in its original position, call this subject " The Transfiguration." The presence, however, of the five sacred wounds upon the person of our Lord clearly shows the inaccuracy of their description. The subject itself needs no explanation. It may, however, be mentioned that one of the three copper plates, said to be the first ever printed, represented our Lord in Glory, treated in a similar manner to the Leicester example. It appeared in a work by Antonio Bettini of Sienna, printed at Florence, in 1447. THE BIRTH OF THE VIRGIN. The History of the Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary (of which the Leicester Glass gives a few incidents) as received by the Mediaeval Church, was, it need scarcely be said, partly derived from Holy Scripture and partly from Tradition and Legend. Saint Luke, especially, among the Evangelists, gives several incidents in her life, and these, so early as the third century, appear to have been much augmented from certain apocryphal scriptures which then existed. All these historical and legendary incidents, assumed in time a definite form, commencing with certain real or supposed events in the lives of the parents of the Virgin—Joachim and S. Anne—then proceeding, as might be expected, to describe her Birth, and terminating with her Assumption or with her Coronation. As may be imagined every incident, real or legendary, in the Life of the Virgin soon found its expression in those magnificent series of frescos and paintings which in the middle ages adorned the religious edifices of the Church. Generally the whole life of the Virgin is given in a consecutive series, but occasionally her Birth is given as a distinct and isolated scene. It was early in the fourteenth century that the adoration of the Virgin reached its height. We may therefore expect to find the artists of that period exerting all their skill to represent her history in the most elaborate and magnificent manner of which they were capable. In or about the year 1306 Giotto, the companion and intimate friend of Dante, visited Lombardy. The great object of his visit was to paint in fresco the Chapel of the Arena at Padua. These frescos are still in excellent preservation. Forty-four com­ partments, carrying the history of the Virgin and our Saviour from the repulse of Joachim to the Coronation of the Virgin in heaven, line the nave, the triumphal arch, and the choir. The Nativity of the Virgin occupies a position on the north wall.* * Lindsay's Christian Art, Vol. ii., 180. J C'.Tray!fn,J)el. if* "V Cmr At>rp m VI LI}T^ rAiSij dr flyg . JS. YT LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 201 These, and a great many more, productions of the great artists of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries would make the subjects delineating the Life of the Virgin familiar to the eyes of the thousands living within range of their inspection. To Albert Durer, however, must be awarded the palm for spreading broad­ cast over Europe representations of this, and a vast number of other religious subjects, by means of his copper engravings and etchings, and by his wood engravings. Passing by his engravings on copper—then a new art—which were very numerous, we find him issuing, between the years 1509 and 1512, those marvellous series of wood engravings called by him " The Greater Passion," " The History of the Virgin," and " The Lesser Passion." His History of the Virgin was executed in the year 1511. It consists of twenty designs, the Birth of the Virgin being the fifth of the series. It would be these productions of Albert Durer which would bring the representations of scenes in the Life of the Virgin before the eyes of a vast number of people who could never have seen the more beautiful productions of the Italian artists. Durer's engravings became articles of commerce—they found their way into most of the cities of Europe in considerable numbers. Albert Durer, too, made frequent presents of copies of his History of the Virgin, as we find from his Journal. Thus in 1520 he says: "I went to Bamberg where I offered the Bishop .... the Life of the Virgin." Shortly after he informs us he gave the Consul of Portugal amongst a mass of other engravings " the Life of the Virgin." In 1521 he sends a copy of the same work to the Abbot of the Augustine Cloister at Leyden. He did not confine his gifts to those who were probably his patrons, for he tells us " To Master Ast, the glass painter I give a Life of the Virgin and to Master John the French sculptor my whole printed works, he having presented my wife with six precious glass flaskets filled with rose-water." And upon another occasion, when engravings were perhaps more plentiful than stivers, he says "Master Conrad sends me a gift of a beautiful razor. I present his old serving man with a Life of the Virgin."* Perhaps the most complete series of mural paintings remaining in England relating to a portion of the History of the Blessed Virgin are those preserved in the chancel of the Church of Chal- grove, Oxfordshire. There are fourteen subjects depicting her Death and Assumption. They commence with the appearance of an angel bearing a shining palm branch and announcing her death, and terminate with her Coronation. The treatment of the Birth of the Virgin is substantially the same in most of the existing examples. S. Anne, the mother of the Virgin, reclines on a couch or bed covered with drapery, and

« Scott's Albert Durer, his Life and Works, pp. 107, 123, 102, 1C3, 159. 202 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. with a pillow under her head. Two or more handmaids sustain her, or present refreshment. More in front a group of women are busied about the new born child. Sometimes neighbours and friends are introduced as coming to congratulate the parents. The small space at the command of the artist of the Leicester Glass has not allowed him to introduce many accessories into his representation of this subject. The scene represents the interior of an English bedchamber in the reign of Henry VII. S. Anne, who is properly depicted as advanced beyond the usual age of maternity, reclines on a bed from the tester of which are suspended handsome curtains and valances.* A nimbus surrounds her head. A lady with a head-dress of the diamond shaped or pedimental form, which became the fashion in the reign of Henry VII., is tenderly smoothing the bedclothes near the head of S. Anne; whilst near to her are two domestics in eager conversation, one of them with a bason and spoon in her hand in which she carries necessary refreshment to give the mother when the proper time arrives. So far the scene, as represented by our artist, coincides remarkably with the conventional treatment of the subject. But when we leave the mother, and come to the child in the foreground of the picture, we have an entirely novel and beautiful treatment of that part of the scene. The babe is represented in an English cot or cradle. The cot so hangs upon two uprights—one at each end—which rise from a large frame upon the floor, that it can be easily rocked by any person standing at either end.t At each end of the cot—that is at the head and feet of the child—is an angel so employed. They are with great quietude and care rocking the new-born babe. The floor of the room is either tiled or covered by a carpet with a simple design upon it. I

GENEBAL SUMMER MEETING. THE General Summer Meeting for 1873 was held at COVENTRY, in conjunction with the Architectural Society of the Archdeaconry of Northampton, on Tuesday and Wednesday the 22nd and 23rd of July. Tuesday, July 22. The Proceedings were opened at Eleven o'clock by a Public Meet­ ing in S. Mary's Hall, at which the Mayor of Coventry (W. H. Hill, Esq.) presided. • See a specimen of this kind of bed figured in Shaw's Ancient Furniture, Plate xxxv. It is there said to be of the fifteenth century. f See an engraving of the cradle of Henry V. given by Shaw in his Ancient Furniture, Plate xli., which was suspended and rocked in a similar way. J The only other article of furniture shown is a close-stool. KENILWORTH CASTLE. 203 After a few kindly words of welcome from the Mayor, which were acknowledged on behalf of the two Societies by the Rev. H. Richards, Mr. Fretton read an interesting

GENEEAL SKETCH OF THE HISTOEY AND ANTIQUITIES OF COVENTRY. On the proposition of the Rev. F. N. Lightfqot, seconded by Mr. M. H. Bloxam, a vote of thanks was unanimously accorded to Mr. Fretton for his ably written Paper. A vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding brought this morn­ ing meeting to a close. The chief of the many objects of architectural and antiquarian interest in the city were then visited under the guidance of Mr. Odell, Mr. Fretton, and the Rev. G. A. Poole. A Temporary Museum was formed in S. Mary's Hall, and which contained many objects of considerable interest and value. A second Public Meeting was held in S. Mary's Hall at 8 p.m., under the Presidency of the Rev. F. W. Beaumont, Vicar of Holy Trinity, when ME. J. T. BUEGESS read a Paper on

THE HUNTING MATCH AT DUNCHUECH IN 1605, followed by the REV. G. A. POOLE, who read a practical and useful Paper on BELLS AND BELFEIES, both of which have since been printed in the Volume of the Associated Architectural Societies. ME. JAMES THOMPSON contributed the following remarks on

KENIL WORTH CASTLE. IN the early part of the thirteenth century Kenilworth Castle was a feudal fortress. When Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, came into possession of it, in the year 1254, through the grant of Henry the Third, whose sister he had married, the building was what we have designated it, and he added to its strength and security. He was its owner until his death occurred at the battle of Evesham, in the month of August 1265. After his decease, Simon de Montfort, his youngest SOB, remained in the Castle, and he made it the resort of the refugees from the battle and the friends of those who had fallen in the conflict. The King marched with an army to Warwick, where he was joined by troops from different parts of the country, and on June 25, 1266, he laid siege 204 LEICESTERSHIRE AECHITECTURAL SOCIETY. in due form to Kenilworth Castle. After about five months' operations he captured it; taking possession early in the Novem­ ber following the day on which he " sat down " before the place. He transferred the custody of it to his fourth son, Edmund Crouch- back, whom he created Earl of Leicester and Lancaster. Among the records of the Borough of Leicester is preserved an account of repairs done to Kenilworth Castle in the fifty-first year of Henry the Third. As this period was included between October 28th, 1266, and October 28th, 1267, it is clear the repairs were effected after Simon de Montfort, the son of the slain patriot, had surrendered the Castle. The record gives no exact date when the labour was performed, but historical facts help us in an approxi­ mate determination of the period. As it was in the fifty-first year of Henry the Third, it could not be before the 28th of October, 1266; and, therefore, probably the work was done in the spring of 1267. It no doubt consisted in restoring the fabric to the con­ dition in which it had been, before the engineers of Henry the Third had battered down its walls and dismantled its towers, when they were endeavouring to dislodge young Simon de Montfort and his fellow rebels. Unfortunately the record does not supply any architectural details. It simply tells us eighteen workmen were sent to Kenil­ worth for twelve days; of whom six were smiths, three were masons, and nine were carpenters, who were paid a total of fifty- four shillings, or after the rate of threepence each per day. On two subsequent occasions sixteen workmen were paid after the same rate. On another occasion, thirty-eight workmen, including five carpenters overlooked by William of Trumpeton, three by Eobert of Belgrave, and five by Robert of Carlton—twenty other workmen from Leicester, carpenters, smiths, and masons—and five from Hinckley, were all employed for seven days and paid per day threepence each, and on a subsequent date were again employed at the same wages. The whole outlay was charged to the "Lord Edmund," the newly created Earl of Leicester. It is to be inferred, from the number of workmen engaged, the repairs were very extensive, and it would not be difficult to identify the work of the men of Hinckley and Leicester, as the date is so distinctly on record, and the style of the period, the Geometric, is so readily recognisable; provided there be any left in the ruins. As any contribution to the history of a fabric of interest so great to all antiquaries, as that of Kenilworth Castle, must be acceptable, these items are furnished for their information. They suggest that many similar particulars may be still lying undiscovered in old documents not yet examined by historical enquirers. MR. W. G. FBBTTON had prepared the following Paper which (with his kind permission) was "taken as read" with a view to its ultimate appearance in the Transactions of the Society. LOCAL NOMENCLATURE. 205

LOCAL NOMENCLATURE. THE ORIGIN OF THE NAMES OF THE STREETS, LANES, AND OTHER LOCALITIES IN COVENTRY. IT has frequently occurred to me to be an interesting subject of study, to search out the origin of our street nomenclature, and endeavour to account for the apparent inconsistencies .that exhibit themselves between the name and condition of many of our localities. Another feature that presents itself to me is that many of our local designations are peculiar, as may be said of other ancient towns, that is, they are not to be found in common use in other places. In York the term " gate " is commonly used for street, to distinguish thoroughfares where no gate could possibly have been, indeed nearly all the streets are gates here, having different prefixes; this may have arisen from the northern use of gate for road, the proverb being, " gang yer ain gate," commonly enough. In Edinburgh we have the Wynds. In Newcastle the Sides; fashionable resorts abound in Squares, Crescents, Quad­ rants, Circles and Parades; hilly districts are adverted to in the towns sprinkled about them, Cliffs, Hills, and Views being common terms, while sea-side towns present specimens of the Pier the Quay or the Esplanade. So much for generalities, now for particulars. Sheffield has its Fargate, Oxford its Turl, Cambridge its Petty Cury, London its Holborne, Hereford its High Town, Leicester the Holy Bones, Northampton has Marefair, Drapery, and both Gold and Silver Streets, rare money making places I presume; and at Shrewsbury we have the Mardol, Wyle Cop, and other curious names, and every place of any note has a nomenclature especially its own, and not to be found commonly elsewhere. Now these peculiarities of distinction had their origin in peculiar cir­ cumstances, some of which are too obscure to be traced with certainty, or had their name conferred on them at too remote a period for us to associate a cause for their being so called. Such has been the case at Coventry, and while we can with some few advance only probable conjectures, with the greater majority we shall be able to give a reasonable account, and proving thereby the fact, that even the streets and lanes of our good old City bear upon them in their names the impress of local history, which ought to prevent our ever becoming totally ignorant of our City's chronicles. In olden times it was the fashion to perpetuate the memory of noble deeds and great principles. We shall see this fact particularly illustrated in our perambulations of Coventry, as we may observe that the more ancient thoroughfares bear reference mostly to either physical peculiarities, or historical circumstances, while our modern streets seem designed to perpetuate the names of persons, who but for this would soon be forgotten, save and 206 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. except those charitable individuals whose deeds claim perpetual remembrance. To begin with the name of the city itself, the origin of the word Coventry is circumstantial, and allusive to the monastic or con­ ventual establishments for which this city was early remarkable. Dugdale says the etymology of the name is doubtful, but considers that the first part may be derived from Convent; the latter syllable " tre " being undoubtedly British, and signifying a villa, rendered also as a small house, farm, or country residence: it is analagous also to village or small township, and it is certain that Coventry was not of great importance in Roman times, hence if a British village, it continued as such, and only emerged from its insignifi­ cance under Saxon auspices. Some ancient authors give the stream that runs through the city the name of the " Cune or Coven," and attempt to establish the derivation of the name on these considera­ tions : and if such was ever the name of the river, the conclusion is probable that our old town was a village on the Coven, hence Coventre. Camden however says that it was anciently written " Conventria." It has lately been suggested that the proper derivation is Cov-an-tigh, the dwelling of the holy women—but it must be remembered that at the time it was the habitation of the Nuns expelled by Edric it was known as Coventre, which with only slight variations has been retained to the present day, and in no case do we find any resemblance to the suggested termination "tigh," which I cannot but regard as an idea somewhat far-fetched, opposed as it is by a succession of good authorities and evidences in support of the generally accepted theory. In order to take a systematic view of the subject I will treat it in a perambulatory form, making my remarks by the way as is the custom with pedestrians. And we will commence in the middle. Broadgate really extends from the north-west corner of High Street down to the entrance to the Butcher Row; this part presents a very different appearance to what it did previous to 1820; in that year the houses that formed a continuation of the north side of Smithford Street and returned down towards the Cross, leaving only a narrow street where now we have this fine open space, all these houses were removed, so that we have only one side of Broadgate remaining, the name of which is derived from its having been the approach from the city to the Castle of Cheylesmore. We will turn down Warwick Lane, which was formerly the main approach to the city on this side. Turning out of this narrow street we find Greyfriars' Lane (formerly known as Chilesmore Lane, from its leading from the city to the Old Manor House), which is so called from standing on part of the site of the Grey- friars' Monastery, the spire of which is still standing, and is attached to Christ Church. Union Street is comparatively a new street, also built on part of the site of the conventual precincts LOCAL NOMENCLATURE. 207 and partly on the castle site. Union here implies continuation or connexion of the old series of streets about here with the new Hertford approaches; this street was laid out in the same year, 1820. Here is the entrance to Cheylesmore, or rather what is left of it. Stowe informs us that this manor was formerly written Chilesmore, and was a nursery for the Earl of Chester's children; who knows then but the progeny of Leofric, Lupus, or Kevelioc have here enjoyed their infantine sports and been trained to the hardy and rough recreation that heralded in the study of chivalry. An ancient |rchway, said to be the entrance to the Tiltyard, with masses of walls built in to the neighbouring houses are all that remain of the Manor House of the Lords of Cheylesmore, where, if the king prospective enjoyed his own, would now be the patri­ mony of the Prince of Wales as it was of his glorious ancestor, who in regal state, when known as Edward the Black Prince, kept house here : a turn to the left, and by the remains of the city wall and old Cheylesmore gate, one side of which only is left, and we are in the park, so called. In the last century this was veritably a park to all intents and purposes; a people's park, too, which the citizens held in fee farm, as, by a charter engraved on a brass plate in S. Mary's Hall, may still be seen. However, the last Prince of Wales sold this manor, and with it the park, to the Marquis of Hertford, so the park, with all its beautiful trees, was destroyed, and the citizens lost a privilege for the want of looking after, which had been granted to them by the Duke of Northumber­ land, and subsequently confirmed by his son, Robert, Earl of Leicester, in the tenth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. This park was distinguished by the terms great and little parks; the former was laid out in 1278, under the auspices of the monks, from which the little park was separated in 1388, the line of severance commencing at the Stone Gate and passing by the Hollow. Here then we find the origin of Little and Much Park Streets, much being the equivalent for great; in fact, it was originally known by the latter term, and there are numerous documents in the city muniment room referring to property in Great Park Street. Quinton Pool, in the park, probably derived its name from the game of Water Quintain, a popular pastime in the middle ages, for which this sheet of water would be well adapted. In the vicinity of Much Park Street stood the monastery of the Carmelites, or White Friars; the latter term gives the name to the ancient approach to the precincts by White Friars' Lane archway, the communication between the monastery and the city. White Friars' Street (formerly known by the name of Bachelor's Walk), is actually built close to the site, the back of the houses on the eastern side nearly extending to the west wall of the cloisters, the foundation of which has been recently laid open to view during the late alterations. A fine gatehouse on p VOL. IV. 208 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. this line is still in existence. The Charter House, formerly a monastery of the Carthusians, now a private residence, gives name to the lays or meadows adjacent; the term is common to the houses of this order, and originated from Carthuse, from whence they came into England. The Brick-kiln is sufficiently indicative of its origin, hut the mill claims more ancient associations; the old dam here supplied the mill of the White Friars' hard by, as a similar reservoir near the Charter House served a similar purpose for the Carthusians. The origin of Shut Lane mill, then, is to be referred to a date anterior to power looms, and to a yery different object. A pleasant field road takes us to Gosford Green. King's Fields doubtlessly derive their name from the fact of Eichard the Second's tent having been pitched here when the lists for the trial by combat between the Dukes of Hereford and Norfolk were fixed, in 1397. It is said that his "tent stood on the site of the Ball Inn. Turning down Gosford Street then, we can easily understand why this is called Far Gosford, as it is thereby distinguished from the city Gosford Street. Gosford evidently arises from the ford or passage of the river, and was doubtless a veritable ford long before either bridge or walls existed; the prefix Gos I assume to have been derived from " Gos," Aug. Sax. for Goose, or Gooseford. This bridge was anciently called Dover Bridge, and the short street that connects it with the Gosford Street was known as Calais Street; at the city end of it was the gate. The origin of these terms may be traced to the stirring times of Edward in., when Dover and Calais played such a prominent part, and we can easily conceive their being so named in compliment to the Black Prince. Shut Lane derives its name from the times of the Eoses, Edward IV. having been refused entrance here when he summoned the city to open her gates to him, in 1470.' A similar repulse to the unfortunate Charles I. gives the name additional significance. Jordan Well is associated with the name of Jordan Shepey, who caused the well here to be made in 1349. Such works, when no public body provided the necessary supply, deserve commemoration. Mill Lane, as it was formerly called, derived its title from a mill which formerly stood at the lower end, outside the gate, and was called Earle's Mill to distinguish it from the Priory Mill, which stood west of it. The stagnant dam and tumble down mill with floodgates that made this spot a disgrace to our city, have all disappeared; a new town has sprung up on the Spittlemoor, a term derived from the Bastile or Spittal which stood on or near the spot where the Dye-house is now, in the Alley Field, and just inside the walls. Cox Street continuation occupies the site of the narrow foot-way and rippling brook that ran beside it, overshadowed with trees, and close to which were two noted springs, the one nearest the city being called Hob's Hole, and giving the name of Spring Gardens, which they still retain. Hob's Hole will be well remembered LOCAL NOMENCLATURE. 209 by those who assisted in chairing the King of Hob's Hole, as he was called, in the days of Jeffrey and Barlow election notoriety. Mill Lane gate was also called the Bastile gate from its vicinity to that edifice, which was a sort of refuge for the sick and aged poor. The Earl's Mill indicates its possessor, as it stood on that portion of the city which Earl Keveliock reserved for his own purposes after granting to the prior and monks the north and western parts for the benefit 'of the priory. New Street is so named from its erection for the accommodation of the workmen engaged in the erection of St. Michael's Church. Its present antiquated appear­ ance justifies anything but its appellation, though it might have been new about the time when St. Michael's Church was built. Opposite the end of New Street, on the other side of Mill Lane, was a small lane called Corpus Christi. This was associated with the celebrated plays or mysteries for which Coventry was at one time famous. Adjacent were the places in which were kept the paraphernalia required for exhibition—stages on wheels, scenery, and other property. At the bend of Much Park Street we can just discern the end of St. John's Street, whose former appellation is owing to the pestilence that raged so furiously in that neighbour­ hood; this street was known in consequence as Dead Lane. Bayley Lane is associated with the memory of Mrs. Catherine Bayley, whose school was originally established in an old house adjoining the old Drapers' Hall, before these buildings were removed to make room for the new Drapers' Hall, on the site of the Drapery, as it was anciently called. Bayley Lane, however, owes the origin of its name to distinct and remote circumstances. Bailey was a place in which law breakers or peace invaders were placed in custody, a sort of Watch-house in fact, the charge of which was entrusted to a bailiff. The Old Bailey or Jail stood on the north side of Bayley Lane, where the present jail-keeper's house stands, and was in such a condition when Howard visited it as to excite that philanthropic man with considerable indignation, though he met with worse cases elsewhere. Bayley Lane is still associated with the administration of justice, the new Police Courts having been erected on the south side adjoining St. Mary's Hall. Earl Street is attributable to the same origin as before alluded to—the. Earldom. Out of it runs a new street, St. Mary's, appropriately named from its vicinity to the Hall, but it will for many years continue to be called by some the Halfmoon Yard from the old Inn that formerly stood here. Palace Yard does not appear to date back farther than the latter part of the seventeenth century, and appears to have been entitled to this distinction from its having been on several occasions honoured by the presence of Eoyalty, while inhabited by the family of the Hopkins's. On the first occasion in 1605, the Princess Elizabeth, afterwards Queen of 210 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Bohemia, stayed a night here. In 1687, James II. was entertained here. In 1688, Princess Ann of Denmark came to Coventry for security, and lodged in this house ; and in 1690, Prince George of Denmark stayed here. High Street in most towns indicates the principal commercial and trading place, where we expect to find the most attractive display of merchandise; the vicinity of Hay Lane would seem also to suggest the presence of a Hay-market or common resort of such as dealt in this commodity. Peeping Tom is not at home where he is now; we must fancy him looking out of an old timber framed mediaeval house, situated at the corner of Greyfriars' Lane, which belonged to Alderman Owen. In 1715, this house was removed, and Peeping Tom's residence was changed to the house next to the King's Head, which on the laying out of Hertford Street in 1813, became the corner house—the present abode of this inquisitive gentleman is entirely out of character. The Cross is so called from the beautiful structure of Gothic design, enriched with statuary, gold, and colours, that formerly stood here, having been erected in the place of an older one; this Cross was completed in 1544, and stood near the old Mayor's Parlour, now used as Liquor Vaults. The word " Cheaping," added to the name Cross, is derived from the Anglo-Saxon "Ceap," a place of merchandise or sale. Thus we have Cheapside in London, which is analagous to our Cross Cheaping. The narrow communication between it and the top of the Butchery was anciently called the " Spicerstoke." This I cannot account for. Between here and Derby Lane was a narrow passage known as Pope's Head Alley, from a public-house adjoining the Derby Lane end of it. The Butchery, as it was originally termed, distinguished as Great and Little Butcher Rows, we may easily understand to have been the meat market of the city; therejs a goodly supply of animal provision still to be met with in and near to it. Out of it we enter Priory Row, so called from this row of houses having been built on the remains of the Priory Church. A range of cellaring used by Mr. Collins as his wine vaults contains considerable frag­ ments of the ancient walling. Hill Top did not exist as a thoroughfare until after the destruction of the monastery; it is appropriately named however, but a walk down the new Priory Street (another reminiscence of the convent) is far more pleasant. The Priory precincts were formerly known as Hill Close. The Bull Ring, at the bottom of the Great Butcher Row, is strongly suggestive of the kind of sport that obtained favour in the good old days, when even the dignitaries of the priory, whose western entrance looked straight on the scene, could sanction such cruel recreations. They drove a good trade by it, no doubt. New Buildings occupies the site of part of the Monastic Buildings, and was doubtlessly laid out on the suppression of the rebellion, houses being then scarce. The lower end of the Bull Ring was not LOCAL NOMENCLATUKE. 211 apparently occupied by building before this era, as in Dugdale I find that the ground between here and the river was then called West Orchard, whether by mistake or not I cannot say; that part known by us as such is certainly not designated by him as West Orchard; the term however is easily understood, * meaning the orchard lying west of the Priory, to which it belonged. Maxtoke Lane was a thoroughfare leading from West Orchard through Bancroft Lane to Cross Cheaping, opposite Ironmonger Row. At the bottom of the Great Butchery (which I may here observe was also called the Poultry), we turn into Ironmonger Row, which now includes both sides of the short street; the north side however, from Palmer Lane right round to the Burges, was once known as Potter's Row. Palmer Lane was the frequent resort of the pilgrims, and was anciently called Marechal Lane. The Pilgrims' Rest that stood at the top was erected in the year 1479; the present inn stands on its site. Burges is a term derived from the situation between the two bridges that cross the street, the south one near the Lancasterian Yard (so called from the Lancasterian School formerly held here), and St. John's Bridge, near St. John's Hospital, now the Free School, the river being built over. Well Street derives its name from the broad well sunk here in 1333. Bishop Street, Rood Lane, Chauntry Place, and others, are all traceable to the rule of the ecclesiastical period, while St. Nicholas Street and Place indicate the vicinity of that long ago destroyed church. Hale Street, Ford, Jesson, White, Cox, Bond, and other new Streets, are appropriately named to preserve the memory of our city's benefactors. Swanswell was a pool outside the walls where the monks preserved their fish; no doubt they considered swans added to its beauty, hence its name. Speed, in his account of Warwickshire, tells us a story which is suggestive of a very different origin for the name. He says : "At Gosferd Gate in the east hangeth the shield bone of a wild boar, far bigger than the greatest oxebone; with whose snout the great pit called Swanswell (Swineswell) was tvrned up, and was slaine by the famous Guy, if we will beleeue report." The pig market was formerly held at the end of Silver Street; a cross stood here called Swine Cross, a much more pleasant name. A cross also stood at Hill Cross, hence the term. In fact there were formerly in the city and its immediate neighbourhood no less than eleven crosses. Bond Street is still called by some the Town Wall, and within my memory retained traces of its ancient condition, fragments of wall and an unwholesome ditch running its whole length ; the old Workhouse stood on its southern side, and the yard entering from Hill Street is still known by the name. Hill Street led as now on to Windmill Hill. Barr's Hill may be attributable to the defensive works or bars without Bishop Gate, placed here during the civil wars, similar gates being added at the ends of Far Gosford and 212 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Spon Streets; and on the other side of the city, Primrose Hill ave name to the fields now covered with a busy population, fmithford denotes a ford at Earn Bridge. Spon indicates the span or distance between this ford and Spon End ford or bridge, hence Spon Street. ' Spon Nocket was in the immediate vicinity of Spon End. The Conduit Yard indicates its own origin, one of the city fountains supplied from the old conduit being here. Fleet Street I cannot explain in this case. Vicar Lane has been known both as Archdeacon's Lane and Hound's Lane. Hertford Street, Place, and Terrace are, of course, complimentary to the Marquis, need­ lessly so. Bull Yard, the back way to the barracks, was the entrance to the ancient hostelry, the Bull; the barracks occupies the entire site; this was a very famous and historically celebrated inn. The Butts was formerly an open ground for the practice of archery, and was so called from the heaps of peat set up as marks for the archers to try their skill. The western end was known as the Somerlesne Butts as early as 1467. Similar facilities were afforded for the archers on the west side of the city, the association being still retained in the term Barker Butts Lane. To the north we find Moat Street, built on the site of an old house known as Crow Moat. I have left all proprietary and district roads leading to the neighbourhood out of my present notice, as conveying their own signification. I have simply endeavoured to trace the origin of our most noticeable or peculiar thoroughfares, and have also alluded to the transformation they have undergone. Where we can only conjecture I am as likely to be right as anyone, and I do not think I am in any case far wrong. But one thing I have endeavoured to demonstrate—that there is much to amuse and instruct in the mere names of the highways and byeways of our ancient city. The usual vote of thanks closed the meeting.

THE EXCURSION. July 23rd. A numerous party visited Kenilworth, Guy's Cliff, Warwick Castle, Warwick, and Stoneleigh. A very enjoyable excursion was made, and all present were much pleased with the kindly attention shown to them at the various places of attraction.

July Wth, 1878. The REV. J. H. HILL, F.S.A., in the chair. ME. HENRY SHAKPE JONES, of Leicester, was elected a member. The CHAIRMAN laid upon the table a Map of Dorsetshire, upon which was marked the Celtic, Roman, Saxon, and Danish vestiges INVENTORIES OF FEAMLAND DEANEEY. 213 existing in that county; also a part of the Parochial and Family History of the Deanery of Trigg Manor, in the county of Cornwall, now publishing. The REV. J. H. HILL further exhibited a drawing of a very small coffin, probably of a child, discovered in the wall of the church of Burton-le-Coggles. The REV. MACKENZIE, E. C. WALCOTT, B.D., F.S.A., Prsecentor and Prebendary of Chichester, sent the following interesting Inventory of Church Ornaments belonging to Churches in Framland Hundred, Leicestershire, in the sixth year of King Edward VI.

INVENTORIES OF FRAMLAND DEANERY, CO. LEICESTER. The following Inventories transcribed from the Uncakndered MSS. of the Public Record Office, form an almost complete Return for the Deanery of Framland; I have in one or two cases explained a difficult or mis-spelt word, but I have made no attempt to give a glossary of terms, as they are sufficiently explained in my Dictionary of Sacred Archceology. [EATON.] EYTON.— oon challys of sylver. ij crosses of brasse. oon vestyment of grene satyn off byrgys w*. the albe. ij vestyments of grene brawdered over with raw grene sylke with ij albes. oon coupe of dimdamoske. [FEEBY.] Chapell of FFEEBYE a member to ye churche of Melton 6 Edw. VI. July 2.9.—i chaleys of sylver ij crossys of wod and tynne iiij vestyments j of blewe russells and j of grene sylke & j of say iij bells in the stepell ij candelstycks uppon ye alter j Cope of redde silke. [WYFOKDBY.] WYVERBE July 29. 6 Edw. VI. our " sufferjnge lorde."— a challes & a patyn of syllver. ij bells a cope of whyte fustyn ij candylstykys of lede p. [WELBY.] OLEBY [Welby ?] 6 Edw. VI. July 29.— ii bells a vestment of cremysyn saten w'. ye awbe a vestment of blew lynyn clothe w'. the awbe. A cope of white fustian iij alter 214 LEICESTEESHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. clothez ij toweles a crosse coveryd laten plate a crewet of pewter ij candelstyks of laten a sacrying bell. [WALTHAM ON THE WOLDS.] WALTAAM July 28 6 Edw. VI.— iiij belles and a lytell bell j cope of purpell velvett with a vestyment j chalice of sylver j satten vestyment j crosse of copper & gylt with a shafte & cloth to the same j sylke cope & ij[ vestymentts of sylke very olde j carpet of sylke that lyeth upon ye Communion Tabell the wich was made of an olde silke cope, vj aulter clothez ii Corperassez i holy water stock of brasse. [AB-KETTLEBY.] ABKAYNTNLBY July 29 6 Edw. VI.— j chalys of sylver j crosse of copper j coop of sattyn ij vestments j of red vellvytt ye other of blew stamill iij bells & a sanctus bell & ij handbells. In ye chapell of HOLLWELL j chalys of sylver ij bells & j vestement. [SAXBY.] SAXBY July 19 6 Edw. VI.— i coupe off red damaske j vestment of red velvet j of dornyx iij beles & a Sanctus bell j crosse of couper j chalysse of sylver.

[COLD OVERTON.] COLDOVERTON July 29 6 Edw. VI.— j challys of syllver iij beles & a saints bell & j handbell j cope of yallowe sarsnet j course cope of grene sarsnet j vestment of grene satyn ij vestements of whyte chamlet j crosse of copper ij candyll- styks which dyde stande on the hyghe alter. [LONG CLAWSON.] CLAXTON July 29. 3. [tharde] Edw. VI.— j chalis parcell gylte of sylwer iiij bells a saunce bell & ij handbells j crosse of tynne parcell gylte j cooppe of blewe welwytt & j of wytt sylke j rede sylke westement & j of grene sylke & ij of clothe j of wytt j of grene. iij alter clothes ij of sylke & j of clothe iij banners of clothe i surplys & a rachyett j coppe of seytne [satin ?] ii candylstyks of brasse uppon ye alter ij tennakells fer the daykyn & subdayken j vestyment of crymyson vellyt ij sylke baner clothes j coope of lynyen clothe. [BURTON LAZAKS.] BURTON LAZARS. July 29. 6 Edw. VI. Hewe Lancton Curett.— j chalecs of syllver & gylte j coupe of crymsing welvet j vestment of the same j albe perteyning to the same ij candylstykeis of lattyn j crosse of latyn ij handbelles & in the steple ij belles & a sanctes bell j surples & ij table (" auter " erased) clothes. INVENTORIES OF FRAMLAND DEANERY. 215 [LITTLE DALBY.] LYTLE DALBY.—i'chalyce of sylver iij belles j sanctus bell, ij handebelles ij vestementes of olde sattyn of byrges & a cope of the same j crosse of copper ij smalle candylstycks one ye alter. Jo. SANDERSON VICAB.

[COSTON.] COSTON Ken. Kuchyner Curat.— j challes of sylver iij bells of a Corde j cope ij vestmentes.

[SOMEKBY.] SOMEBBE.—iii bells wtb a Sanctus bell j chales off syllver j veste- ment of red vellvet & j coope of the same j vestement of sylke & a cospe of the same j vestment of sylke & a couarsse cope off sylke to the same ij smalle candelstiks ij smalle hande bells j crosse of coper. [EDMONTHOKPE.] EDMERTHORPE July 29 6 Edw. VI.— i chalys of sylver a vestment of whyte chamlett a vestment of blacke chamlatt w*. a coope and ij tunacles a cope of grene damaske & a vestment of the same iij belles. [GOADBY MARWOOD.] GAUDBE.— j chalyc of sylver w*. paten j vestment & a albe & a surples iij bells a cope & a alter cloth.

[BUCKMINSTER.] BUCKMYNSTER July 29 6 Edw. VI.— ij chalyces i of sylver parcell gylt j off tynne ii copes j off redd sylke an other of tawny sylke iij vestments j of whyte satyn an other of flowered sylke an other off bourdy crowel iij bells.

[KUIPTON.] KNYPTON July 22. Will. Branthwaite curet.— i challesse of sylver iij belles & a Sanctus bell & ij Sacryng bells j pyxe of brasse & j crysmateres of brasse j cerporax a case of reyde say i vestment of grene sylke w*. a reyde and alble belongyng unto it j vestment of *diable color w'. the alble belonging unto it j cope of blew stammell ij towells j surplesse & ij rotchetts j crosse of brasse ii candylstycks of brasse belonging to the hye altare. » The only parallel I know to this is a material mentioned by Leland as musterd dyvells, a corruption of a stuff made at Moustrier-Villiers. It may mean " changeable." 216 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. [KEDMULL.] REDDMELL.— ij bell j sanctus bell j challes of sylver j cross copper iij seuitts of vestments ij copys of olde sylke iij aulter clothes ij banner clothes j stremer ij candyllstycks of lattyn ij handbells.

[SlATHEEN.] STATHEBNE.—j sanctus bell j littyll bell j crosse of brasse plate j chalys of sylver parcell gilt j vestment of redd damaske j of grene sylke j cope of gren velvet j of blakke worsted iij bells. EALLFFE AYNESWOBTHE parson. [EASTWELL.] ESTWELL.—j small bell j Sanctus bell j crose of brasse plate j challes of sylver parcell gylt j redd vestyment of sattyn of burges j westyment of tawney sarcenet j cope of green sylke ij handbells ij small candellstycks. [BABESTONE.] BAESTON ON THE WAYLL. Jas Wylson Curat July 28. 1552.— j chalyce of sylver j croce of lattyne ij old copes ij corporaxis ij westements and albes ij small candylsticks wh. stod on the alter ij cofers iij great bells j sanctus bell and ij handbells. [HAEBT.] HAEBIE July 29. 6 Edw. VI.— iij bells a Saynts bell yn ye stepull ij litle sacryng bells & ij hand bells j chalice of silver & gilt a pixe of latyn with a canope and ij candelstycks upon ye hye alter j coope of grene silke embrothered & ij tynnacles ij copes of black wosted and a nother of say embrothered j vestement of blacke woosted w*. an albe & thappurtenaunces j vestement of grene silke w*. y". albe & thappurtenaunces j veste­ ment of whyte satyn of brygges w*. albe & thappurtenance j of grene satyn w*. thappurtenaunces j vestement of blacke satyn embrothered w'. a albe & thappurtenaunces j vestement of whyte satyn fustyan w*. a albe & th appurtenaunce iiij alter clothes a censur of latyn ij cruettes of peuter a cresmateri of latyn ij towells a surples & a rochet. WM. LEQH parson.

[MUSTON.] MCSTON Marche 29. 6 Edw VI. Tho. Willson rector.— j chalis of sylver with ye pattent parcell gylt j crosse of coper i pare of sensors of lattyng j cope of grene bawdkyn j cope of rede sattyng of bruges ij crosse clothes of sarsnet ye j grene ye other blew j veste­ ment of grene bawdkyn w* ye awbe j vestment of whyte sattyn w* ye awbe j vestment of blake wurstede w' ye awbe ij corporase clothes w' ye casys iiij bells of one ryng w* a lytell bell & ij handbells. INVENTORIES OF FEAMLAND DEANERY. 217 [MELTON MOWBRAY.] MELTON MOWBREY July 29. 6 Edw. VI.— In the quyer over the south syde a payre of organs, ij letters [lecterns] to ley on bokes j vestment of whyte bustyan w* garters apon hytt. j vestment of blake wosted j olde herse clothe of blewe sylke j vestment of (sic.) w*. decon & subdecon of blewe sylke checerd [chequered] j cope w'. a vestment w'. albes & amyses decon & subdecon whyt sylke j Vele of lynnyn cloth j vestment of whyt damaske w* decon and subdecon albes & amyses j vestment of red velvett w*. an albe decon and subdecon & a cope j an olde cope of blewe sylke j alter clothe of redd & grene j olde vestment of whyt damaske j canopy clothe of blewe sarcenett ij corporas cases j crys- mytory of sylver vi alter clothes of whyte lynnyn j olde vestment of cheke (chequey) sylke v great bells in the stepyll w* ye sance bell ij other vestments & albes j chalyce of sylver j payer of sencers & a shyp & a crosse of coper j other vestment w* the albe albe & amyse.

[SPROXTON.J SPROXTON July 29. 6 Edw. VI.— iii bells in ye stepyll j vestment of purpyll velvet a cope of ye same j cope of blew sylke j vestment of redde wostede j chalyce of sylver j surplyce & a rochet.

[HOSE.] HOOSE July 29 6 Edw. VI.— i Pyxt of latine a canopye & ij candyllstycks of lattine j chalyce of syllver iij bells j sanctus bell & a sacringe bell j cope of black velvytt & other of redde sattane j ollde grene cope of sylke j vest­ ment of redde sattyne & ij tunacles of the same wth. albs ij ollde vestments & a albe j grene vestment & j albe a surplesse & a rachett j blewe vestment & j albe j whyte vestment of sylke j reade vest­ ment of sattayne withe albe j crosse of copper gylldyd j crismatorye of latyne ij crewytts of pewtere iiij allter close of lynyn & j towyll j basyn of lattyne iiij bannere cloithes.

[WlTHCOTE.] WYTHCOKE* July 29 6 Edw VI.— i bell w* out a claper j chalys j vestment of bustyan w1 the albe & the amys belongyng to the same j vestment of sey ij aulter clothes.

[PLUNGAR.] PLTJNGAR July 29 6 Edw VI.— i chales of sylver ij bells & i lyttyll bell ij Candylstyks y* was of ye auter ij vestements with the albes ij cloithes of lynnyn. » Withcote ia in the Deanery of Goscote. 218 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. [STONESBY.] STONSBY Elys Amyson Vicar.— j challes of sylver j cope of read damaske ij vestments j of Batten & an other of dornyx. iij bells of a corde. [WYMONDHAM.] WYMONDHAM July 29 6 Edw. VI.—i chalise of silver gilted iij grertt beylles j reide vestement vi^1 a crose of black velyit uppon hitt wth awbe & amysse to hitt j white vestement of damaske awbe & amyse j coipe of white damaske a green coippe iij alter cloithez of lynnyn. [THORPE ARNOLD.] THOKPE ARNOLD.— j challes of sylver & gylte a crosse of copper & gylte j coope of blue velvytte an olde on lyke darnyckss grene a vestment of velvytt j of satten of brygges whitte iii bells & a Saunce bell.

[SCALFORD.J SCALFORTH July 29 Jo. Onley Vicar.— i chalice of silver ij copes j of tawny velvet & j off sarsenet j crosse of latynne a vestement of reed sarsnet w*. ye tynnacles for dekyn and subdecon for ye same ij vesternents off redd sylke wtt albes amice stoles & fannes j vestement off blue sylke j vestement off red sey & j off whyt fustion iij bells wth. a sanctes bell i hand belle iiij alter clothes wtt ij towelles. [GARTHORPE.] GARTHORPE Eich. Clarke Vycar.— j chalys of sylver iij bells ij vestements wl ther halbys & amysys j cope of gren sylke lying of y6 Communion Table ij alter clothes & ij towylls. [STAPLEFORD.] STAPLEFORD July 29. 6 Edw. VI.— i challys of sylver. ii copys of blewe damaske and ij tenacles. j vestement of grene sylke ij candylstycks grete before the altar [i.e., standards] i payre of censers of laytyn j lampe of laytyne. [CROXTON KERRIAL.] CROXTON KYRYALL 3 Edw. VI.—(but certen boks wh. wher comaunded to avoyd by our ordynary as a greyle [grail] and other boks.) Rychard Ward Prest. j chalices of sylver ungilt iiij vest­ ments with all ye hole sute belongyng yerto, j vestment of blake velvet j of redde sake y" other of grene say i coope of blew sylke ij awlter clothes of lynnen & tj hangyngs for ye same of saye i peyre of sensours of latyn ij corporaxes and a creuyt j crysmatory INVENTOBIE3 OF FRAMLAND DEANERY. 219 and ij lyttyll candylstykes of brase iiij toweles, ij cofers i crose of copper iiij bells of a ryng a sauntys bell. [SYSONBY.] SYSSONBY 29 July 6 Edw. VI.—i chales of sylver ij bells j vestment of blew saten of bryges w* an albe j alter clothe j towell. THOM. TAYLEB prest. [BEENTINGBY.] BKANTYNGBE July 29 6 Edw VI.— a vestment & nabe [albe] j candylscyke of brase ij bells ...... LEONARDE COKSON Curatt. j challes of sylver ij of vestments j of crymysyme sylke & thother of whyt sylke with thur albes j cope of rede damaske j serples ij alter clothes a towell iij bells & sainctus bell & ij handbells. [KiEBY BELEES.] KYKBE BELEB 29 July 6 Edw. VI. Jo. Wyllyfford curat.— i chales sylver & j parcell gylte ij copes of rede sylke ij Vestementes of grene sylke & j of yalow sylke j crosse of coper wb ye staffe j crosse clothe of rede sylke ij candellstycks of brasse iijj bells ij handbells iiii alter clothes & j serples. [SALTBY.] SALTBY Jo Vere Vycar.— j chalys of sylver ij vestyments j of redd velwyt & j of sey j Crosse of copper iij bells of a corde. [BOTTESFOBD.] BOTTISFOBD July 29 6 Edw. VI.— ij challesses of silver j pix of coper & gylt v corpris [corperasses] off silke very ould. iiij vestements wth albs diabels towels j crosse of copris ij pere of senses [censers] of bras, ij candelsticks of bras j pere of organs v bells. A MS. without heading but with the names of four Commissioners for the dissolution of religious houses. Cave etc. Plate gilte Ixvij oz parcell gilte ccccccxl oz white ccviii oz Money in the hands of Syr Edmunde Peckham . CLXX£. vs. vd. [STONTON WYVILLE.] STONTON WYVELL* 6 Edw. VI.— a chalys of sylver. a cope of grene lynyn clothe a vestyment of whyte fustyon a other of blew lynnyn clothe ij albs of white lynnyn clothe j bell. JOHN WHYTELEG. * Stonton Wyville is in the Deanery of Gartvee. [The above Return comprises all the parishes in the Deanery of Framland, Leicestershire, excepting Branstone, Harstou, Burrough-on-the-Hill, Grimstone, Nether-Broughton, Wartnaby, Caldwell, and VVykeham.] 220 LEICESTEESHIEE AECHITECTUEAL SOCIETY.

LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. MR. TEAYLEN exhibited two farther portions of this glass (see p. 138). MB. NOETH contributed the following short Paper upon the subjects depicted which concluded his remarks upon such portions of the glass as refers specially to incidents in the Life of the B. V. Mary. THE ASSUMPTION OF THE B. V. MABY. This, like many other real or legendary incidents in the Life of the Blessed Virgin, has been treated in two ways—that is devotionally and historically. When presented under the former aspect it expressed the event as a Dogma of Faith, when under the latter as simply the final Scene or Act of her Life. Mediaeval artists, in depicting the Assumption as a devotional subject, frequently represented the Virgin within an elliptical aureole, surrounded by angels; and in addition to frescoes on the walls, and to stained glass in the windows of churches so representing her, the tympana of the principal entrances of those dedicated to her honour were favourite places for such pieces of sculpture. The churches of Florence and Pisa give fine examples. When, how­ ever, the subject is presented historically, it appears much more elaborately treated.* The Virgin soars upwards amidst clouds and light towards the Saviour, who with outstretched arms, and surrounded by the spirits of the blessed, is ready to receive her. Below appears the open tomb surrounded by the apostles, who gaze upwards in wonder and awe. Other accessories are sometimes given. Raphael, Correggio, Titian, Rubens, Guido, and many other artists have left famous representations of this, their favourite subject, t In our English Churches there are, comparatively, but few representations now remaining of this, or of the other legendary events connected with the life and death of the Virgin Mary. The reasons for the destruction and obliteration of these subjects are obvious. The most perfect perhaps is comprised in the series of mural paintings preserved in Chalgrove Church, Oxfordshire. There the picture representing the Assumption is divided into two parts; the lower gives the tomb, the upper the reception into heaven of the body of the Blessed Virgin.! A few other instances

* An early (eleventh century) representation of the Assumption is given on the panels of the door of S. Haul's Church, outside of the walls of Rome. D'Agincourt. Sculpture, Plate xv. t See an interesting example from Fresco paintings, executed at Assisi by Guinta of Pisa, in the thirteenth century, given by D'Agincourt, Painting, Plate cii. Also a fourteenth century example, Ibid, Plate cxxvi., and a curious group representing the same subject by Correggio, Ibid, Plate cciii. { See ArcluEologia, Vol. xxxviii. J.CTray.lenDel

yri ~ttni LkatUnilfum iF The Utpnafon-cf LEICESTEB STAINED GLASS. 221 have escaped, and of those representing the Assumption may be mentioned examples in stained glass in the Church of S. Nicholas, Wrangle, Lincolnshire; and in the Church of Aldwinkle, S. Peter's, Northampton. The latter, however, is imperfect. In Sandford Church, Oxfordshire, is a curious example, apparently of the fourteenth century, in sculpture. The Virgin appears crowned in a long flowing robe, fastened at the throat with a morse; she is standing within an aureole, and surrounded by angels. A very beautiful manuscript Book of Hours of the fifteenth century, pre­ served in the Bodleian Library, furnishes an extremely graceful example.* But perhaps the most interesting example to us— inasmuch as it is of about the same date as our Leicester glass—is to be seen in the Church of S. Michael, Thornhill, Yorkshire, where, in addition to many other subjects, the Assumption and the Coronation of the Virgin are given. The former represents the Virgin (in an elliptical aureole with a jewelled border), as being carried up to heaven by four angels, two on either side. She is attired in a robe lined with ermine, and enriched with golden orphreys. The artist in this case, as in some others referred to, treats his subject devotionally—the Virgin being, according to mediaBval teaching, the type of the Church triumphant and glorified, to whom, having overcome the world, is granted to sit with Christ on His throne.t The Leicester example is, unfortu­ nately, much more imperfect than the one just described. It has been much damaged by re-glazing. It is, however, very similar to it in conception. The Virgin is ascending, surrounded by an elliptical aureole, but which is without the jewelled border. Four attendant angels, two on either side, were originally to be seen bearing her upwards: only two are now visible, the other two, as well as the head of the Virgin, having been destroyed. There is one interesting symbol introduced into the Leicester representation which is wanting in the Yorkshire example—the Blessed Virgin is represented as ascending through the air with the half-moon or crescent—the eastern emblem of chastity—under her feet; one horn of the crescent will be observed appearing on one side of the figure. THE CORONATION OF THE VIEGIN is frequently found as forming a portion of one grand fresco, or painting, comprising the Death, the Assumption, and the Corona­ tion, given in orderly sequence. First in order appears the death-bed, surrounded by all the accessories so vividly depicted in the legendary account of that event. Over the chamber of death we find the Assumption—the open tomb full of roses and * Calendar of English Saints, p. 186. (• Yorkshire Archaological Journal, Vol. i., pp. 71 and 109. 222 LEICESTERSHIEE ARCHITECTUBAL lilies from which the Blessed Virgin has risen, and who is seen, as already related, ascending in the body to heaven. Ahove all appears her Coronation, given with all the accompaniments which an artist's vivid imagination, fired with the solemnity, magnificence, and grandeur of his work, could impart to a representation of a subject which was at once so popular and so poetical. Treated, however, devotionally as an emblem or symbol, the Virgin became the type of the Church, and her Coronation its eventual glorification. When intended to be so received, the mediaeval and later artists represented the subject alone, and not in conjunction with the Death and the Assumption. A Mosaic, in the tribune of S. Maria-Maggiore, at Rome, executed about the year 1288, is thought to be the earliest example extant of the Coronation of the Virgin. There the Saviour and the Virgin are seated on the same throne. He crowns her with His right hand, while in His left is an open book showing the text Canticles viii. 8. It is an elaborate composition; various symbols, with figures of Saints and Evangelists being introduced.* In a somewhat later (fourteenth century) representation the Virgin kneels before the Saviour.t Again, in still later conceptions, the Virgin app'ears crowned by the Holy Trinity. The two first Persons seated on a throne are about to place the crown upon the head of the Virgin who kneels before Them, whilst between, or just above Them, the Holy Dove hovers with outstretched wings. Mediaeval representations of the Coronation of the Virgin, once undoubtedly so common, are now very rare in England, either in stained glass, mural painting, or in sculpture. Indeed, in my own very limited researches, I have met with but few examples. The Leicester stained glass may therefore be viewed with additional interest, as being one of a few examples which have escaped destruction, of a subject once frequently before the eye in our churches and religious houses. On the wall of the chancel of Sutton Bingham Church, Somersetshire, is a late fourteenth cen­ tury representation of this subject. The Saviour crowned, and the Virgin with her hands joined in adoration are seated on the same throne. He places a crown upon her head with His right hand: in His left is some object, probably an open book. The background is powdered with cinquefoils.J In the large series of mural paint­ ings on the walls of the chancel of Chalgrove Church, Oxfordshire, in which are comprised many scenes relating to the Death and

* Mrs. Jamieson's Legends of the Monastic Orders, p. 257, and Legends of tlie Madonna, p. 17. An interesting fourteenth century example occurs iu fresco on the Tabernacle of the Basilica of S. John Latermi, Rome. D'Jgincourt Painting, Plate cxxix. + D'Agincourt Painting, Plate cxxxiii. } For u sketch of this mural Painting T am indebted to the Rev. H. W. Helgar, the Kector of the Parish. AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 223 Assumption of the Virgin, the Coronation is shown on the eastern wall as the last scene above the Tomb and the Assumption.* The one other example to which I will refer is still existing in stained glass in the Church of S. Michael, Thornhill, already referred to in my notes upon the Assumption. The subject, like the Assump­ tion, is treated devotionally. " The Virgin, with a golden crown and nimbus, and clothed in a rich white robe lined with ermine, is making obeisance before the Lord, who has a golden crown and cruciform nimbus, and bears in His left hand a banner, whilst the right is raised in benediction. Two angels are seen in the back­ ground, worshipping, "t The artist of the Leicester glass treats the Coronation of the Virgin in a different manner to his contemporary in Yorkshire. The Blessed Virgin is represented as the central figure of the group : she is seated with her hands meekly joined upon her breast; her long hair falls below her shoulders; she is attired in a loose robe which falls in ample folds from her knee downwards, and which is fastened at the neck by a long morse. Upon her left hand, slightly behind her, stands the first Person of the Blessed Trinity, represented as a tall venerable man in a loosely-fitting robe, and with long flowing hair and beard. Upon her right hand, in a similar position, appears our Saviour, represented as a younger man with a short beard; He is also attired in a long robe, which is, however, so disposed as to show the wounds upon His Sacred Body. At the back of the Virgin, and so drawn as to appear taller than the others, appears a third Person to represent the Holy Spirit. He is also drawn as an aged man with a long flowing beard. From slightly below the shoulders His figure is hidden by the other personages represented. Each person of the Blessed Trinity has a nimbus, and is crowned with a kind of triple crown surmounted by a small cross. All three join with one hand each in placing a golden crown upon the head of the Virgin, whilst the other hand of each is held up in benediction. The whole group is surrounded by an aureole of light piercing through clouds.J

September 29th, 1873. The KEY. J. H. HILL, F.S.A., in the chair. ME. HENKY J. GKIEVESON, of Holt Hall, was elected a Member of the Society. * Archaologia, Vol. xxxviii. + Yorkshire Archaological Journal, Vol. i., p. 72. J It may be mentioned that both Throsby and Niehols, in their lists of the subjects upon this Leicester glass, given in their Histories, describe the one now before us as " The Trinity." Q VOL. IV. 224 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. MB. THOMAS NEVINSON mentioned that his hrother, Mr. George H. Nevinson, had obtained possession of the monumental slate slab commemorating the death of Alderman Gabriel Newton, the existence of which was brought before this Society in January last, and desired to have the opinion of the Society as to where would be the best place to deposit the memorial. Mr. Nevinson was of opinion that the Church of All Saints', in the Churchyard of which Alderman Newton was buried, would be the most appropriate place. The Society entirely concurred with Mr. Nevinson, and re­ commended that the curate in charge of that parish be communi­ cated with on the subject. This slab was formerly part of the original tomb of Alderman Newton, which was taken down and re-built a few years ago, when entirely new slabs of stone were inserted, on which the old inscriptions were copied; these new inscriptions are now fast becoming illegible. MB. OBDISH remarked upon the works of restoration now being carried on at S. Nicolas' Church, Leicester, with the object of eliciting help towards the preservation of the interesting archi­ tectural features brought to light; and MB. THOMAS NEVINSON applied for a grant from the Society towards the restoration of such of the architectural and archaeo­ logical features of the church as the public subscription entered into for repairing the edifice would not warrant. It was agreed that a grant of £20 be given for this special purpose. The following antiquities, &c., were exhibited:— By MESSES. J. AND T. SPENCEB: The original MSS. of the History and Antiquities of Leicester, written by Mr. Carte, Minister of S. Mary's, in Leicester, and Father of the Historian. This history is absorbed (verbatim) by Nichols. By the CHAIBMAN : A copy of " Aristotle," dated 1524, in the original binding, printed at Paris; a very fine specimen of early printing. On the title page was written " Thomas Smyth, me possidit pretium 5." By MB. HUNT : A sword with brass hilt, of Spanish manu­ facture and apparently of the middle of last century. By Mr. FEY : An oblong box of copper and brass, with a German inscription and calendar engraved both on the lid and at the bottom of the box. Also a glazed earthenware flat bottle, with small mouth, intended apparently for a cork stopper, and on each side of the mouth were holes for fastening the strings or thongs for carrying it. This bottle, which was thought to be of doubtful antiquity, was 9f in. high, 9 in. and 3 in. wide, and 7 in. deep. It was found at Cambridge, at the bottom of a well. ME. WILLIAM KELLY, F. of Hist. Soc., contributed the following .REMARKS ON AN ANCIENT SEA.L. 225

EEMAEKS ON AN ANCIENT SEAL OF THE BOEOUGH OF LEICESTER. BY the kindness of Llewellyn Jewitt, Esq., F.S.A., from whose extensive collection it is lent for exhibition, I am enabled to lay before our Society an impression of an ancient Seal of the Mayoralty of this Borough, hitherto, I believe, entirely unknown to local antiquaries. It is not known at what period the municipal authorities of Leicester first used an official seal, but as early as the year 1262, as we learn from one of the Guild rolls quoted in Mr. Thompson's "History of Leicester," p 76, there was "paid fora new seal made for the Guild 4s. 6d.," showing that such a seal had been in use before that date ; whilst a number of deeds of different periods, having the common seal of the Corporation, the cinque-foil, affixed, are in the muniment room at the Guildhall, but no seal like that now exhibited has been met with. The Seal is circular in shape, and the design consists of a figure of the Virgin and Child, seated within a richly-decorated niche or canopy, having at the base a shield of the Town Arms, the cinque-foil, the whole surrounded by the inscription in mediaeval letters, " Sigill meioratus ville leycestrie." From the architectural details it may probably be assigned to the reign of Edward the Third. Mr. Jewitt states that the seal is just as it came into his pos­ session, and that he does not know from what ancient deed it has been taken. The Town Arms, heraldically described as " Gules, a cinque- foil, ermine," were adopted, as is well known, from those of the Norman Earls of Leicester, the first of whom, Robert de Bellomont, rebuilt and endowed the Collegiate Church of St. Mary de Castro; and the second, Robert Bossu, was the founder of the Abbey of St. Mary de Pratis. Whilst both of those religious establishments were distinguished heraldically by the cinque foil as being the arms of their respective founders (encaustic tiles bearing this badge have been dug up within the precincts of both those places), the chief object on the official seal in both cases was, as was customary, the figure of the patron saint, consisting of a seated figure of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holding the infant Saviour in her lap; whilst, according to usage, the cinque-foil was either used as a counter-seal, or appeared on a shield at the base of the design, under the feet of the Virgin, as it is shown in the seal now under notice. A charter to the burgesses of Leicester, granted by Robert Fitz-Parnel, the fourth Norman earl, which is still in the borough muniment room, had formerly appended to it the earl's seal, but which has now unfortunately 226 LEICESTEESHIRE ARCHITECTURAL become detached from the deed and lost. The reverse of the seal as engraved in Throsby's " History of Leicester" shows the cinque-foil as it has continued to appear on the common seal of the Corporation down to the present day. It may not be out of place to remark, in passing, that the obverse of this seal, as given in Throsby, represents the earl as accoutred, most absurdly, not like a Crusader, in chain mail, conical helmet, and surcoat, but rather like a jovial farmer of the Georgian era, riding to market, in a square cut coat, breeches and boots, or gaiters, and wearing on his head something much more like a carter's hat than a knightly helm ! Probably during the lapse of time the wax of the seal had become rubbed, and the details of the armour obliterated. The outline of the figure is more accurately represented in a pen and ink sketch in Mr. Carte's MS., which has lately come into the hands of Messrs. J. and T. Spencer, and which, I believe, will be laid before this meeting. As regards the design of Mr. Jewitt's seal, I would venture to suggest that as the borough authorities adopted for their common seal the arms borne by their liege lord, the Earl, so, when they required a second seal to be used by the Mayor for official acts, in his personal capacity as the chief magistrate, they adopted a seal similar to that used by one or other of those two religious houses in the town before mentioned. And now as to the time when this seal ceased to be used. It is well known that after the siege of Leicester, in 1645, spoil was carried away by the royal army, and the hall-book of the Corporation records, inter alia, that " Mr. Mayor's mace and divers of the town seals were taken away by the unruly soldiers." The matrix of the seal now under notice doubtless disappeared at that time, as we find the following order made at a Common Hall, held on the 22nd August in that year:—"It is also agreed that a Common Seal for the Corporation, a Seal of office, and the Mayor's Seal, according to the former seals lately used for the town, and taken away also at the taking of the town, shall be provided at the town's charge." And in the Chamberlains' account, amongst charges for the new mace, &c., we have the following entry:— " Item, paid for two seals, viz., the Common seal of brass and the Mayor's seal of silver, £1 6s." An old silver "Mayor's" (or Statute) Seal is still preserved, although it has long ceased to be used. Some years ago I sent an impression taken from it to the late Mr. Doubleday, of the British Museum, who informed me that in his opinion the workmanship was of the time of the Commonwealth, but that the design was in all probability roughly copied from a seal of much earlier date. AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 227 A sulphur cast of this seal is now shown, and it will at once be seen, on comparison, not only how correct was the surmise of Mr. Doubleday as to its being copied from an earlier seal, but also that it is evident the original from which it was copied, although the work was very unartistically executed, was that from which Mr. Jewitt's seal was impressed, and as that silver seal was provided in 1645, it seems equally clear that the matrix of Mr. Jewitt's seal was in use up to the time of the siege, and that it formed part of the spoil carried off by the cavaliers, and in all probability found its way, like the mace, into the melting pot. It is greatly to my regret that although I have been a member of the Society for many years, my official engagements on the day on which the bi-monthly meetings are held have prevented my attendance on any occasion, and I have now to trespass upon the kindness of my friend, Mr. Thomas Nevinson, to lay these few remarks before you on my behalf.

November Mth, 1873. The REV. J. H. HILL, F.S.A., in the chair. MR. JOHN BARBS was elected -a Member of the Society. The following antiquities, &c., were exhibited:— By MR. TRAYLEN : A small bronze vessel, found about one mile and a half from Castor, in Northants., in an open ploughed field, and the fragment of a celt pierced. By the CHAIRMAN : Some engravings of churches in Rutland­ shire. By MR. W. G. DIMOCK FLETCHER : The following books, pam­ phlets, &c.: Collections for Leicestershire [Bibliotheca, Topo- graphica, Britannica, vol. 8], with MS. notes by Mr. John Nichols, purchased at Mr. J. B. Nichols' sale. LEICESTER JOURNAL, Friday, April 4, 1806, containing information about Daniel Lambert. A Terrier of Lands of Mr. Coppin, in Barrow and Quorndon, August 1651. Two early editions of the poems of John Cleiveland (native of Loughborough), 1654 and 1677, with portrait. Civil war tracts: A declaration of the Lords and Commons . . . concerning the miserable distractions and grievances this kingdom now lieth in, by means of Jesuiticall and wicked councellors now about his Majestie; printed July 13,1642. A declaration of the Lords and Commons . . . upon the statute of 5 H. 4. . . . As also his Majestie's letter to the Sheriff of Leicestershire to execute the said commission according to his Majestie's proclamation; July 1, 1642.—July 4, 1642: The declarations of the Lords and Commons, or five severall passages of state [relating to Leicestershire]. A diary, or an exact journall faithfully communicating the most remarkable pro- 228 LEICESTEESHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. ceedings in both Houses of Parliament: as also delivering the true intelligence from all the armies within his Majestie's dominions . . . from Thursday, the 17th of July, till Thursday, the 24th of July, 1645. Prince Rupert, his declaration; 1642. An ordinance . . with the names of the Knights and Gentlemen entrusted in every county to bring a speedy account of the weekly assessment; 1643. Reasons why this kingdom ought to adhere to the Parliament; N.D. [1642]. The character of a moderate intelligencer, by J. C. [lievland]; 1648. Document recommending the appointment of Mr. Thomas Allsopp, a " Godly and orthodox Divine," to the parsonage of Hathern, being void by the death of Mr. Robert Palmer, who was placed therein "upon the sequestring thereof from Mr. Joseph Smith, late parson thereof." The docu­ ment is dated Leic.: Imo. Decemb. 1648, and is signed by Will. Stanley, Thorns. Hesilrige, Tho. Beamont, ffran. Hacker, Arth. Stanely, ffra. Smalley, and Edm. Cradock. It is noticeable that neither Robert Palmer nor Joseph Smith are mentioned in Nichols as rector of Hathern; the last mentioned being William Gillott, who was presented in 1534, by the Abbot and Convent of Leicester; Mr. Thomas Allsopp died about 1682. This document being of interest, the following copy is given in full :— Hathern. Honoured Gentlemen The sequestred parsonage of Hatherne in this county being voyd by ye death of Mr. Rob*. Palmer mynister thereof, who was placed therein by your order uppon the sequestring thereof from Mr. Joseph Smith late Parson thereof, we are bold to recoinend to you Mr. Thomas Allsogg a godly & orthodox Divine, who officiates there uppon ye desires and consent of ye well affected Parishioners, & the concurrent approbation of the Patron of that Church. And we haveing had experiences of his abilityes, doe therefore desire your jjonbie favour, y* he may be authorized by your order to officiate there, & to have & enioy the Parsonage house & Tithes & Dues thereof, which is humbly recoinended to you by us. Gentlemen Leic : lmo. Decemb : Your humble servants 1648. Will: Stanley. Tho: Hesilrige. Tho: Beamont. ffran: Hackr. ffra: Smalley. Arth : Staveley. vera cop : examta Edm : Cradock. per Jane Rugeley vi. Robert hames. John Goodman. DEMOLITION OF WIGSTON'S HOSPITAL. 229

By the Comittee at Leicester. Leic: Uppon the desires and consent of the well affected Parishioners of Hatherne and the concurrent approbation of ye Patron of the Eectory of Hatherne in this county. It is ordered that Mr. Thomas Allsopp, a godly and orthodox Divine be desired to officiate in the church of Hatherne afore­ said, and enabled to have and enjoy the sequestred Parsonage house, & the tythes & dues of the sd Eectory. 1° Decemb. 1648. Tho : Hesilrige. Arth: Staveley. Tho: Beamont. Will: Stanley. ffran : Hacker. Edm: Cradock. fir: Smalley. vera cop: examta per : Jane Eugeley vi. Robert hames. John Goodman.

THE PEOPOSED DEMOLITION OF WIGSTON'S HOSPITAL. MB. JAS. THOMPSON said he had a short Paper to read on a measure which was proposed to be carried out by the Town Council shortly, viz., the taking down of the chapel of William Wigston. He asked the patient attention and indulgence of the members present whilst he read his Paper, which seemed to be fully called for on his part, and which was well calculated to enlist the sympathy of the Society, which was intended to act whenever occasion called for it, one of its objects being to protect and pre­ serve ancient buildings and relics of antiquity from destruction. Mr. Thompson then proceeded to read the following Paper: The proposal to demolish the Hospital of William Wigston in this town, with the chapel at its southern extremity, and, con­ sequently, to disturb the remains of the dead lying beneath the floor of the chapel, involves consequences so serious that it behoves the Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Association— a Society which professes to regard the preservation of ancient architectural remains as one of its chief objects—to consider well whether it can in any way ward off the blow, or whether it must stand by and witness in silence, and without remonstrance, the threatened violation of the tombs of the dead, and the uncalled-for destruction of one of the few remaining monuments of the piety and charity of the departed benefactors of this ancient borough. 230 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. It will serve to show the disregard of decency the proposal implies, if I inform the members of this Society what the destructive designs of the promoters of the measure really entail, should the chapel be in any way touched by the reckless hand of the spoliator. In order to do this, I have referred to the account which is given by the local historian, Nichols, of the bodies interred in the fabric. It is stated by him that among the dead who lie beneath the floor of the chapel are the following persons: 1. William Fisher, the first master of the Hospital, the con­ temporary of the founder, who, therefore, was well acquainted with his munificent purposes, and co-operated with him in carrying them out. He died about the year 1540. 2. Cecilia, the supposed daughter of the founder; as the fragments of a brass formerly existing implied. 8. The Rev. Geoffrey Johnson, the third of the Confraters, who was the public lecturer of Leicester in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He was the eldest son of Maurice Johnson, Esq., who represented Stamford in Parliament, in conjunction with David Cecyl, Esq., the grandfather of Lord Treasurer Burghley, in the year 1523. Mr. Johnson died in the year 1585. His monument has lately been removed from the chapel. 4. The Rev. Thomas Simpson, the fourth Master, in his day a man of theological repute, who died in 1589. 5. The Eev. Richard Clarke, M.A., the twelfth Master of the Hospital, who died in 1684. 6. The Rev. Jno. Jackson, the twelfth Confrater, who died in 1763—a man noted for his literary attainments and benevolent character. In addition to the bodies of these six persons, others of less repute—at least as many more—thus constituting twelve altogether —lie mouldering in the dust of William Wigston's chapel. It has been stated that the Trustees of Wigston's Charity some time ago sold a portion of the southern end of the chapel to the Corporation of Leicester—that at the south-western angle—in order that the causeway recently formed from Southgate Street to S. Martin's Churchyard might be carried direct up to it. This would necessarily involve the entire displacement of the south wall, with its window and the two interesting niches on each side, and in fact the downfall ultimately of the entire fabric. In the first instance, it will be seen, the wall could not be meddled with, at all, without being accompanied by a disturbance of the human remains lying close thereby; in the second instance, it will be perceived, the rebuilding of the wall, after the proposed mutilation of the structure, must utterly alter and spoil the interior, if it went no further. To touch the fabric as contemplated would be, indeed, to take the first step towards its complete demolition. The plea put forth on behalf of this unreasonable proposition is DEMOLITION OF WIGSTON'S HOSPITAL. 231 the improvement of the road. But (as will be seen hy any person who visits the spot) it is on the other side of the street, where there are stables and coach-houses, that the widening is most needed and could be most easily effected. May it not be believed that the proprietor, were proper representations made to him—a gentleman known for his well-understood regard for archaeological considera­ tions—would meet the town authorities in this matter, and consent to the sale of the ground to the extent required for the formation of the causeway in the direction named ? He would not, assuredly, allow the modern stable to outweigh the venerable chapel in his calculations. There is no excuse, then, for the meditated demoli­ tion of the chapel, while the street on the opposite side remains without a better causeway. It is not to be credited that the Trustees of the Hospital were aware, either of the sacrilegious act to which they were about to consent, or of the disturbance of the bodies, when they agreed to the alleged transfer of the portion of the chapel to the Corporation of Leicester. Still less is it possible they would have done so, had they known that the consent of Parliament must have been obtained before a consecrated place could be interfered with; and that consent has yet to be applied for and obtained. It is to be hoped the Corporation will not proceed with their plans in respect to the chapel, now that the consequences are known to them, and that the consent of Parliament has to be procured before they can be attempted. It need scarcely be added that the chapel forms part of the Hospital, and that. one part of the fabric cannot be molested without damaging the other. They form a whole, unique in character, constituting a monument of former days, identified with their charitable builder, which every generation ought to preserve with pious respect for his memory. Nor need this preservation be wholly without its uses; as the chapel might still be retained as a school chapel, and the remainder of the interior as a supplemental schoolroom, or library, or museum, in connection with the new schools. For the rest, it must needs be said that the contemplated taking up and dispersion of the remains in the chapel demand the indig­ nant protest of every right-minded man in the community; as against an unrighteous act, a gross indignity offered to decency, and a foul insult to the memory of the dead—a measure of uncalled-for, unwarrantable, and wanton desecration. After some remarks from the Chairman deprecating the threatened destruction of the Chapel, MB. NEVINSON said that he fully concurred in the sentiments which had been expressed in the paper, and pointed out that it was imperative' that they should do something with the object of averting the threatened destruction of the venerable edifice. He 282 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. concluded by moving " That in the opinion of the Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society, the proposed mutilation of the chapel of Wigston's Hospital, in order to widen the street adjoining, involving, as it will, the desecration of the remains of dead interred therein, and the destruction of the only memorial of William Wigston, one of Leicester's greatest benefactors, demands an earnest and grave protest from the Society, as equally unneces­ sary and repugnant to right feeling. Further, the Society would at the same time strongly remonstrate against the proposed destruction of the venerable and interesting fabric erected by William Wigston—which the Society believes might still be retained and adapted for use in connection with the proposed new schools. It is therefore resolved that a sub-committee be appointed to watch the proceedings about to be taken by the Governors of Wigston's Schools and by the Town Council, in order, as far as may be, to carry out the purpose of this protest;" The REV. T. FAIRBEOTHEB briefly seconded the motion. After some discussion, in which Mr. Ordish, Mr. Nevinson, Mr. Thompson, and the Chairman joined, the motion was carried unanimously.

THE LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. MK. TKAYLEN exhibited further portions of this glass (see page 138)and ME. NOBTH contributed the following descriptive Notes:

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS. When almost every church wall and every church window was a pictured leaf in the "poor man's book," the Seven Sacraments of the Mediaeval Church were often represented there in colours bright and glowing. The more enduring art of the carver, too, not unfrequently chose the same subjects wherewith to give beauty to our churches, and specially to adorn the fonts at their entrance. We may well suppose that representations by art of subjects of such bitter controversy, would not be allowed to be retained in our churches when the Reformation came. Consequently, existing paintings of the Seven Sacraments in distemper or on glass in England, are extremely rare. Indeed, the only representation of them in distemper which has come under my notice, and which is said to be unique in this country, was discovered in the year 1860, hidden under many coats of whitewash, in the parish church of Kirton in Lindsey, Lincolnshire, when that edifice was undergoing repair. It is in a very imperfect state. The central figure, a portion only of which is now visible, was our Saviour on the Cross, the base of which rested on a globe. On His right hand stands ffHE LEICESTEE STAINED GLASS. 288 the Blessed Virgin, on His left S. John. From the sacred wounds flow streams of blood, which are directed to the representations of the Seven Sacraments arranged around. The size of the whole picture is about six feet square. The dresses of the figures indicate that this very interesting example was executed about the close of the fourteenth century.* In stained glass, we have a similar arrangement in Nostell Priory Church, Yorkshire, excepting that the streams of blood are not given. There is also a grand old window at the east end of the north aisle of the Church of Doddis- combesleigh, Devon., containing these subjects.t These are the only perfect ancient examples in glass, excepting our Leicester one, that I have been able to trace as existing in this country. There may be others, but I doubt it. The Nostell glass, moreover, is of German or Swiss and not of English origin : it is much later than our example, probably late sixteenth or early seventeenth century in date, and is very small, the whole group not being larger than a foot square. Stone, from its more durable nature, and from its not presenting, by the absence of colour, so vivid a representation of its subjects as painting, has preserved more examples of the Seven Sacraments than either mural painting or glass. The octagonal fonts of our churches were frequently orna­ mented with representations of the Sacraments and of the Crucifixion of our Lord, as can be seen on the splendid example at Walsingham in Norfolk, and again at East Dereham. That at Bingham Abbey, in Norfolk, has various Saints instead of the Crucifixion. The Seven Sacraments also appear sculptured upon the fonts in the churches of Woodbridge, Melton in Suffolk, Baddingham, Laxford, Lynn, Walsoken, Nettlecombe, Happisburgh, and Worsted, most of which are of perpendicular date. Examples of single sacraments are also sometimes met with, as on the Norman font at Thorpe Salvin, where a fine representation of Baptism is given; and in one of the windows of York Cathedral is a figure of the Archbishop, S. William of York, singing Pontifical High Mass, which although probably once forming one subject of a series in the life of that ecclesiastic, still may not unfairly be taken as a representation of the Holy Eucharist. It will be seen from these introductory remarks, that ancient representations of the Seven Sacraments of the Mediaeval Church are now extremely rare in this country, either as mural paintings or paintings on glass. The Leicester glass therefore assumes, as we proceed with our descriptive and illustrative notes, a high antiquarian and ecclesiological value. The Seven Sacraments of the Mediaeval Church were—Holy * Since writing the above I have learned that this distemper painting has been destroyed. Curious, though late, representations of the Seven Sacraments and the Baptism of our Lord are painted upon the eight sides of the octagonal font in Westhall Church, Suffolk, sketches of which have been kindly supplied to me by the Eev. H. A. Good win. t Communicated by the Eev. H. T. Ellacombe, F.S.A. 234 LEICESTEKSHIRE ARCHITECTUEAL SOCIETY^ Baptism, the Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Holy Orders, Holy Matrimony, and Extreme Unction. As each of these subjects is represented upon a separate piece of the Leicester glass, and so formed, when in its original position, a distinct " light" in the series of windows, it will be well to describe each subject distinctly, adding a few notes—as in former cases—by way of elucidation :

HOLY BAPTISM. The earliest mode of the administration of Baptism was effected by the descent of the candidate into the water—a river or stream. When Churches began to be erected in which Christians worshipped, and in which the Holy Sacraments were administered, the fonts or baptisteries therein were made large, and frequently with a descent of seven steps, signifying the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit. Although Baptism by immersion was clearly customary in early times as is recorded in Holy Scripture, was used in mediaeval times, as is shown by the representation of the Sacrament on the Leicester glass, and is contemplated by our own Church as is directed in her rubric of the Office, still it could be clearly shown that such a form of the rite was never considered essential. Affusion, usually given thrice—not mere sprinkling—during the invocation of the Blessed Trinity, has always been allowed as a valid administration of the Sacrament. The simplicity which characterised the rite in the Early Church was soon overlaid by ceremony and symbolism. In Anglo-Saxon times in this«country on Whitsun eve, and on the Saturday in Holy Week, a procession was formed from the choir to the font, when it was hallowed with much solemnity, and a few children baptised. Every afternoon through Easter Week there was made between evensong and compline a procession to the newly-hallowed font, the clergy saying the cviii. Psalm. The holy oils were carried and banners were borne. At the font itself, which was sometimes enriched with drapery, certain collects and antiphons were said, and it was fumed with incense. A miniature painting in a Latin MS. of the ninth century, entitled " Benedictio Fontis," preserved in the Library of Minerva at Home, represents an archbishop surrounded by his clergy, blessing the water in the font. The same manuscript has another miniature, in which the Sacrament of Baptism by immersion is being administered by two priests. One priest has placed within the font an adult female candidate who is clothed in a loose garment; the priest is dipping a naked infant in the water. The font is sufficiently large for the immersion of both at the same time. A third candidate, ready for immersion, is being held forward towards the second priest by a female. Two other females stand by, probably the mothers or sponsors of the candidates. Mr. Blunt, in his Annotated Book of Common Prayer (page 210), Jt'lenuny & Cad.iik ft . baptism. X. Cfic tuchanslr. fl porfion oT .Hie THE LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 235 summarises the Office of Holy Baptism as used in the English Church at the time the Leicester glass was painted. The immer­ sion of an infant was effected by holding the child with both hands, and plunging it three times quite beneath the water. The Leicester representation of the Sacrament of Baptism gives the moment when the priest so holding the infant is about to immerse him in the water of the font. The priest is robed in a surplice and stole. Behind him stands the acolyte, also in a surplice, with long hanging sleeves, supporting in his left hand the Office Book, which lies open on his breast; in his right hand he carries a large taper, and apparently a coffer, which probably contains the chrism and salt used in the Office. On the opposite side of the font stand two male figures and one female—the God­ parents of the child. The female is attired in the diamond-shaped head-dress introduced in the latter years of the reign of Henry the Seventh. She wears a girdle round her waist, from which is suspended a long chain with the pendant ornament—in this case not a very elegant one. Of the two men, the one whose dress is most distinctly shown wears the short doublet with its absurdly long sleeves, which was affected by the dandies in the time of Henry the Seventh. His long flowing locks and cleanly shaven face, are also indications of the beau of that period. From his waist depends a dagger, which, with a purse fastened to a girdle, was then the almost invariable ornament worn by a gentleman.

THE HOLY EUCHARIST. The Elevation of the Host was not used in England in the Anglo-Saxon period. It appears to have been used early in the Greek Church, to have been first introduced by the Church of France in the beginning of the twelfth century, and from thence to have spread through Latin Christendom. Its use reached England in the thirteenth century, or, perhaps, somewhat earlier. Soon after the introduction of the rite, though not at first, it was accom­ panied by the ringing of a bell. John Peckham, Archbishop of Canterbury, issued a series of Constitutiones in 1281, one of which not only required a bell to be.rung at the Elevation, but that all who should hear it, whether at home or abroad in the fields, should kneel down and pray. The " Sanctus " or " Saunce " bell, still sometimes found in a little cot on the gable of our ancient churches, was used at what was termed the parish mass. It was rung at the singing of the Ter Sanctus, as a warning to all, inside and outside of the building, that the Canon of the Mass was about to commence. At other masses smaller bells, called in old inventories of Church goods, " sacring bells," were used; these were sometimes hung above the rood screen, as one now hangs at Hawstead, in Suffolk. On hearing the sound of this bell, all within the Church were 286 LEICESTERSHIRE AECHITECTUBAL SOCIETY. reminded of the portion of the Liturgy then reached, and knelt down in adoration. The artist of the Leicester glass has chosen this ceremony in the Missal rites of the Mediaeval Church to depict the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. The priest is robed in the vestment or chasuble, under which is the alb, with its orpheys, often called apparels, embroidered upon its wristcuffs and round the bottom. By his side kneels his acolyte, vested in a surplice, and bearing a large taper. Near to him also kneel three lay people, attired like those shown in the piece of glass depicting the Sacrament of Baptism, in the costume of the time of Henry the Seventh. The young man nearest the priest carries on a belt round his waist the large purse or gipciere, then commonly worn. The cutpurse was so termed from the way in which the thief of those days severed this purse from the belt round the person robbed. Next kneels a young woman with the peculiar head-dress of the period, and the girdle and pendant then usually worn by the ladies. Behind them both is an older man, whose head only is visible. Upon the altar stand the Office Book resting on a small desk, the Chalice covered with a veil, sudary, or pall, the Pax for sending round the kiss of peace, and one Candlestick; the second light is borne, as just said, by the acolyte. On the south end of the altar is attached a bracket, answering the purpose of a Credence, upon which stand the two Cruets for the water and the wine in the mixed chalice. At the back of the altar hangs a dorsal made of some woven material. The altar frontal appears to be richly ornamented. To the student of Liturgical Antiquities this representation presents some anomalies. The priest faces not the east, but the north, in the Elevation; the large size of the object in the priest's hands gives it more the appearance of the Paten than the Wafer, and did we not know that the Benediction with the Paten was not used in England, it might be assumed that rite was intended. There is, however, no doubt, the Elevation of the Host by the priest, as the most significant act to represent in the Office of Mass, is here depicted, an acolyte is assisting, and the lay figures representing the general public are worshipping. The position of the priest, and the large size of the Wafer, is merely in order to show the better what he is doing. Under the representation of the Holy Eucharist has been inserted at a later date a fragment of another subject, which will be referred to hereafter.* » Since writing the above my attention has been called to two carved ivory Book- covers in tbe South Kensington Museum, No. 8.'72. They are German work of the sixteenth century; in height 1J inch, in width 1| inch, and are still attached to a book dated 1597. On one is Penance or Absolution (to which I may call attention hereafter), and on the other the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The priest, standing, holds the Paten in his right hand, and with his left gives the Sacrament to the same person kneeling, who on the other cover is depicted as making his confession. Behind tbe priest is seen the crucifix upon the altar, and on his right one of the altar curtains suspended from a rod. IK THE LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 287

CONFIRMATION. Although the rite of Confirmation at first consisted simply of the laying on of hands by an Apostle or Bishop, still there is no doubt that Unction or anointing with oil or chrism was added at a very early period. So, too, although the rite appears in the Early Church to have accompanied, or rather followed immediately after, the Sacrament of Baptism, the two were certainly separated in the seventh century. The chrism was placed upon the forehead of the candidate in the form of a cross, over which a band of linen was bound round the forehead. It will be seen from our Leicester illustration that the rite was administered to very young children at the time the glass was painted. The Bishop, who is administering the rite, is robed in a rochet with slits in the sides, through which the arms pass. This garment was a modification of the surplice, as the surplice was of the alb. It would clearly be a convenient form of vesture for the purpose. Over his shoulders the Bishop wears what was originally the almucium, almuce, oramys—an article of attire lined with fur— which answered the two-fold purpose of hood and tippet. This must not be confounded with the amice, a totally different thing. At the time this glass was painted, however, the amys was so far changed in shape as to have assumed more entirely the form of a tippet for the shoulders, still keeping, nevertheless, a large hood behind hanging down from all round the neck, as is shown in our Leicester illustration. On his head the Bishop wears the episcopal mitre. In his right hand he holds his pastoral staff, the lower port of which is enveloped in a napkin or banner. Various surmises have been given for the origin and use of this appendage, which is found figured with the staff upon many tombs and monumental brasses in our English Cathedrals. With the thumb of his left hand the Bishop is anointing the forehead of a young candidate for Confirmation, who is borne, rolled up in swathbondes in the arms of a young man. Behind appear two more children, some­ what older, and able to struggle in the arms of their protectors. Behind the Bishop stand two clerics, one bearing the chrismatory containing the sacred oils, one of which—the oleum catechumenorum —was then being used. The dress of this man is worth notice, as showing more distinctly the amys as then worn by Canons and Hectors. He wears over his cassock a surplice with long sleeves. Over his shoulders and chest, where it meets, is the amys showing the fur outside. Previously to the time the glass was painted there was added to this article of attire two strips of the same fur which hung stole-like to the knees of the wearer, but with round ends to distinguish them from the stole which had square ones, as is shown in our Leicester illustration. The effigies of Wm. Canynges, in the Church of S. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, of Laurence Lawe, in 238 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. All Saints' Church, Derby, and the fine Brass in Bottesford Church, Leicestershire, commemorative of Henry de Codynton, Rector of the parish and Prebendary of Southwell, with other of our monumental brasses of that date give good examples. Although this garment was distinctive of Canons in Cathedrals and Collegiate Churches, still Rectors in England were allowed to wear it.

PENANCE. The mode of administering the Mediaeval Sacrament of Penance may, for our purpose, be divided into two portions—that apper­ taining to the censure of public offenders, and that which every one was expected and exhorted to participate in at special seasons of the Church's year. Dr. Rock tells us that one part of the canonical penance to be undergone by every public sinner was to walk barefoot and bareheaded,, and but scantily clothed, in the Sunday's procession of his parish church, and afterwards to stand the High Mass out at the foot of the rood loft. There is occa­ sionally, but rarely, found in our parish churches, at the junction of the chancel and nave, a large stone, upon which, in all proba­ bility, such public offenders stood. Again, on Ash Wednesday, public sinners were made to undergo the infliction of Public Penance. With a scant covering they appeared early in the morn­ ing at the door of the church. After the allotting to each a course of penitential works and prayers by an official, for whose guidance in such matters, a Manual called a Penitentiary was provided, the seven penitential Psalms were said by the clergy, and the penitents were sprinkled with holy water, and had sackcloth and ashes placed upon their heads. They were then, with further ceremonies, led back beyond the church door, which was closed upon them until Maundy Thursday. On that day, if it were well-known they had fulfilled their austerities, and were supposed to be truly sorrowful, they were with public prayer, anthem, and ceremony, granted absolution and received back again within the walls of the church. Apart, however, from this public acknowledgment of guilt and public penance, each one was bound to confess to his own priest, and to no one else without special direction. This was especially to be the case in the week preceding Lent, hence called Shrove-tide, inasmuch as that was considered by our ancestors in the Middle Ages as the particular season for shriving themselves. It was then thought that having so confessed their misdeeds, and having performed their enjoined penance, and kept the fast through Lent, they would be able to keep the Easter feast with a pure conscience. In order that the body might also be decently prepared for the Holy Season, it was customary "in old father's days," as Caxton says in his Liber Festivalis, for the people to "sheer their heads and clip their beards" on Thursday in Holy xm XIV J.HE LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 239 Week (called Sheer Thursday), " and so make them honest against Easter Day." The Leicester glass apparently represents this general confession before Lent, inasmuch as there are several waiting in succession to make their confession to, and to receive absolution from the priest, who is seated in a large carved wooden chair to receive them. It should be noted that in the Middle Ages, as here repre­ sented, Confessions were made openly in view of any who might be in the church, the priest sitting usually in the chancel in a stall, or on a chair or bench. The closed Confessional is a Roman introduction of late years. The priest is attired in a surplice with wide sleeves, and an amys, the hood of which is drawn over his head; his stole is worn crossed in front. He is in the act of giving absolution, or else the blessing, to the penitent kneeling before him, who wears the long cloak of the period, with a girdle and large purse. Waiting their turns stand three other figures, two male and one female, all carrying rosaries in their hands.* HOLY OEDEES. The Ordinal in the early ages of the Church appears to have been extremely simple. The Rite, however, was elaborated gradually from time to time, the Office receiving additions in ceremonial which were intended to add to its dignity and solemnity. Thus in addition to certain prayers, &c., common to all the Offices, for making a Deacon we find for the first time in the Sacramentary of Pope Gregory (A.D. 590) the investiture with the stole : in a Ponti­ fical of the tenth century a further addition of the consecration of the Deacon's hands with oil and chrism ; and about the same date the Delivery of the Dalmatic. In the Pontifical of Egbert there is again another addition—the Delivery of the Gospels. So in the Ordering of Priests: in the time of Pope Gregory there was an in­ vestiture with the Chasuble; and in the tenth century a Delivery of the Chalice and Paten and a change in the arrangement of the stole: the consecration of the hands occurs in the Gregorian Sacra­ mentary, and of the head in the Pontifical of Egbert. Again, in the Consecration of Bishops the Unction appears first in the Sacramentary of Gelasius (A.D. 492), and the Delivery of the staff and ring in Egbert's Pontifical. A form of enthronization also occurs at an early date. The Salisbury Pontifical (A.D. 1085) in addition provides for the Delivery of the Mitre and the Gospels. These ceremonies, with slight exceptions, were discontinued at the » Since writing the ahove my attention has been called to two ivory book covers .of German workmanship (sixteenth century) in the South Kensington Museum (No. 8.'72). On one is the Sacrament of Penance or Absolution. A Priest, sitting in a low canopied chair of the fourteenth century style, listens to a man who kneels before him. The priest wears a low cap and surplice; the penitent is bareheaded in a long gown with fur over the shoulders (see under Holy Eucharist, p. 335). B VOL. IV. 240 LEICESTEESHIEE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. revision of the English Ordinal, but the mention of them here helps to explain the form of Ordination as given upon the Leicester glass.* D'Agincourt gives some interesting and curious illustrations of the conferring of the minor and the greater Orders from the miniatures of a Latin Pontifical preserved in the Library of Minerva at Rome.f The artist of the Leicester glass represents the Bishop as robed in chasuble, dalmatic, and alb: he wears the mitre from which is seen to fall a small band—a similar one of course falling on the other shoulder. This band is the successor of the ancient long fillet or bandage which was used to keep the white kerchief in its place on the head of the Bishop when that covering, the precursor of the mitre, was worn by him.t Behind the Bishop stand two clerics; one bearing the Pastoral Staff of the Bishop, the other robed in the Canon's or Rector's hood, as described under the head of Confirmation. The glass- painting is somewhat indistinct from the effects of age, but from a knowledge of the ritual there is little doubt the Bishop is ordaining three candidates as Priests. The Service is advanced beyond the point when they are invested with the chasuble for they appear in that vestment, and the Bishop is performing the next act in the Office—anointing their hands with chrism.

HOLT MATRIMONY. In the English Church in mediaeval times, the larger portion of the Office was said in the Church Porch. From thence the newly married couple passed to the altar steps, where certain prayers were said: they were then placed on the south side of the chancel, and the Priest began Mass, which was, according to the uses of both Sarum and York, always celebrated at the marriage ceremony. The married couple so knelt until the Sanctus, when they both drew nearer to the altar and knelt at its foot. Then—in cases where neither had been married before—a Pall—or as it was called a "care" or "carde-cloth"—was held over them.§ After the Pater-noster and before the Pax, the Priest turning towards them » These notes upon the Ordinal are largely drawn from Blunt's Annotated Book of Common Prayer which see for a more detailed account. Also Dr. Rock's Church of our Fathers, vol. iv., p. 46-56. t Painting, Plate xxxvii. J See figure of S. Dunstan with this ancient head-dress in North's Chronicle of S. Martin's Church, Leicester, p. 44. § A care-cloth " of silk dornex," (or coarse damask made at Doornix or Tournay) conteynnge in leynth iij yardes & a quart' & in brede one yarde " was given to the chapel of Holy Trinity, in Somerhy Church, Lincolnshire, in 1140 (Peacock's Church Furniture, p. 204). Its use was gradually discontinued early in the next century. It is said to have been made originally of a rich silk called " Carde of Inde," hence perhaps its name. xpjo puriq THE LEICESTEE STAINED GLASS. 241 gave the nuptial benediction. The " care-cloth " was then taken away, the bridegroom arose from his knees, and receiving the kiss of peace direct from the Priest, gave it to his wife upon the cheek. The kiss was given to the others present in the ordinary way with the "Pax"-brede from the celebrant through his attendant. At the conclusion of Mass, bread and wine or other drink were hallowed by the Priest, who partook of them, with the bride and bridegroom and their friends present in the church. The bride, when a maiden, was covered with the nuptial veil, and wore no head-dress excepting a garland of flowers or a circlet of jewels called a " paste;" which circlet—as well as the veil—was sometimes provided by the Church and kept for%use when required.* Her hair was allowed to fall loosely upon her shoulders. The nuptial fillet or crown is said to have been used so early in the Christian Church as to be shown in representations of the Eite in the Catacombs, held by a hand or hovering over the bride's head. The representation of Holy Matrimony upon the Leicester glass shows the bride and bridegroom to be no longer youthful in appear­ ance ; indeed the head-dress of the bride shows—according to what has just been said—that it is not the first time she has " gone through " the ceremony. Fairholt, writing of the costume in the time of Henry the Seventh, says " unmarried ladies generally wore their hair hanging down the back—a fashion universally adopted at nuptials if not in use at other times." The young lady on the extreme left of the picture is attired more like a bride of the period, with her hair flowing over her shoulders and held in its place round her head by a circlet or fillet. The female friends of the bride carry their handkerchiefs and gloves in their hands. About this time gloves began to be actually worn on the hand by ladies— it was previously the custom to carry them in the hand, as in our illustration, or to thrust them beneath the girdle. The two men wear, one a flapped cap of the period, the other a hat with a large feather, a fashion much in vogue at that time. From the fact of the men being covered it is presumed the early part of the Office is being said in the Church Porch. EXTEEME UNCTION. It need scarcely be said that the Scriptural authorities quoted in favor of this Rite are S. Mark vi. 13 and S. James v. 14 and 15. Mention is made of its use in the Eoman Church in the fifth and sixth centuries. That it was adopted in this country by the Anglo- Saxons is clearly shown by the regulations drawn up for its use, but it is said not to have become universal in the Western Church until the twelfth century. According to the Use of Sarum, which was the Use most * Church of Our Fathers, vol. iv., p. 173. 242 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTUBAL SOCIETY. generally followed in England, the priest, vested in surplice and stole, was to bear the holy oil—the oleum inftrmorum—to the sick man's house. He was to stop at the door, sprinkle it with Holy Water, saying " Peace be to this house." He first heard the sick man's confession and gave him absolution. He then gave him extreme unction by dipping his own thumb into the holy oil and making with it the sign of the cross upon the eyes, the ears, the nostrils, the mouth, the hands, and other parts of the sick man's body. This was followed by giving the Holy Eucharist—the Viaticum. In the Leicester representation of the Kite the sick man is lying in a bed, naked—with the exception of his head—and with his chest exposed. The priest, vested in a surplice, is anointing him with the sacred oil, but not using his thumb according to the old custom. Behind the priest stands his attendant also wearing a surplice and carrying the chrismatory in his right hand, the left supporting the Office Book which lies open on his breast. On a low seat on the other side of the bed sits a female depicted with a face full of grief and misery. A close-stool stands near the foot of the bed.

January 2Qth, 1874. ANNUAL MEETING. The KEY. J. H. HILL, F.S.A., in the chair. After the transaction of business in Committee, the following Report for the past year was read:—

REPOET FOR THE YEAR 1873. THE Committee of the Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society on presenting a Report of its Proceedings during the year 1873, desire first to con­ gratulate the members upon the growing taste for the study of antiquity, as evidenced in the reception given to Mr. Charles Roach Smith and Sir Henry Dryden, Bart., during their recent visits to Leicester, when their lectures hefore the Literary and Philosophical Society were listened to with evident pleasure and attention by a large number of persons. This growing taste for archaeology will undoubtedly continue to spread more and more as it, as a science, becomes better understood and appreciated. It is not the mere possession or inspection of objects of antiquity which delights the archaeologist, but their value is in the proportion in which they elucidate the history and institutions of past times, and the habits, tastes, amuse­ ments, and every day life of the people then living. Excavations made in Leicester during the past year have, as usual, yielded many antiquities, most of which have very properly been deposited in the Town Museum. Foremost among these may be mentioned three lenden coffins, which were found in Newarke Street, and upon which a member of this Society, has promised to read some notes. A Roman seal or stamp of blue lias was found in September last, on the premises of Mr. C. Gurden, Highcross Street, at a depth of about ten feet. It bears what appears to be a grotesque face, and the inscription in two lines, C. PAL EEPORT. 248 GEACILIS, which Professor Humer proposes to read, C[AIOS] PAL[FORIOS] GRACILIS. A crucible and a piece of glass were found near to it. The iron framework aud chain of a large Roman bucket were found 25 feet deep in sinking a well in Southgate Street. A fragment of Roman pottery of a lustrous yellow marbled ware has also been found in Leicester and sent to the Museum. It is stamped O F MAPOMI, the only instance of this peculiar and rare Roman ware bearing a potter's name, which has come under the notice of Mr. C. Roach Smith. Leicester Market Place, too, has yielded from excavations on the premises of Mr. A. Adderley, a Roman cinerary urn, containing charcoal and ashes, aud New Street an ampulla, bead, and Roman coins. A remarkable discovery of objects has lately been made at Market Harborough, relics apparently of a cemetery used both by Romans and Saxons. Among them is a good cruciform fibula, two circular ones, a pot hook, a ring fibula, and a large collection of pottery. Archdeacon Trollope, F.S.A., has kindly promised to give an account of this discovery, illustrated at his own cost by engravings, in the next volume of the " Associated Societies." Several further portions of the ancient stained glass referred to in the last report, have been exhibited during the year at the bi-monthly meetings. They are accompanied by careful drawings made by Mr. Traylen, and by explanatory notes presented by Mr. North. Mr. Llewellyn Jewitt, F.S.A., sent for exhibition at the September meeting a unique impression of an ancient seal formerly belonging to the Corporation of Leicester, and which our member, Mr. Kelly, explained in an interesting memoir. Mr. Kelly describes it as the impression of a seal, which, from its architectural details, may be assigned to the reign of Edward III. The seal itself he gives good reasons for believing was used by the Mayor of Leicester in his personal capacity as Chief Magistrate, and that it formed part of the spoil taken away as is mentioned in the town records by the " unruly soldiers " after the siege of Leicester, in 1645, when it was most probably destroyed, and it has been suggested that the present Mayor's seal is a copy or imitation from memory or from a worn impression of this one. It has been proposed to adopt a copy of this seal, with certain necessary modifications, as the official seal or badge of this Society. It is full of beautiful detail, and should the Committee for 1874 adopt it, your Committee thinks it will meet with the approval of the members generally. Many other interesting objects have been exhibited at the bi-monthly meetings, which depend for their attractiveness, especially to gentlemen residing at a distance from Leicester, upon the endeavour of every member to add something to the interest of such as he attends. The annual summer meeting for 1873 was held in conjunction with the Archi­ tectural Society of the Archdeaconry of Northampton, at Coventry. The proceedings were opened at a public meeting, under the presidency of the worshipful the Mayor, on the morning of July 22nd. After the formal reception of the Society, Mr. Fretton (now the honorary corresponding member of this Society for Coventry) read "A General Sketch of the History and Antiquities of Coventry." The many archi­ tectural features of the City were inspected during the day under the guidance of Mr. Odell, Mr. Astley, and Mr. Fretton, assisted by Mr. M. H. Bloxam, F.S.A., and the Rev. G. A. Poole. A temporary Museum, replete with interest and instruction, was opened in S. Mary's Hall. At a second public meeting held in the evening, papers were read or contributed by Mr. J. Tom Burgess, of Leamington, on " The Hunting Match at Dunchurch, in 1605"; by the Rev. G. A. Poole, on "Sells and Belfries"; by Mr. James Thompson, on " Some items concerning the Castle of Kenilworth"; and by Mr. Fretton, on "Local Nomenclature." A most enjoyable excursion was made on the following day (23rd July) to Kenilworth Castle, Guy's Cliffe, Warwick Castle, Warwick, and Stoneleigh Abbey. Mr. Burgess was indefatigable in his exertions as conductor of the party in explain­ ing the salient points of the various buildings, &c., inspected. To him all were much indebted, as well as to the noblemen and gentlemen who so heartily welcomed the visitors wherever they appeared. Your Committee must, however, again regret that so much was undertaken in one day, and again urge upon the sub-Committee usually appointed to arrange the annual excursion, to attempt less, and so give more time at the disposal of the members at each place visited. It having been brought to the notice of your Society that u slab of slate com­ memorating the death of Alderman Newton, the founder of the well-known school in Leicester, was doing duty in a private dwelling house as a salting trough, two 244 LEICESTEESHIEE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. members of your Committee took immediate steps to restore the slab to a place more fitting for its deposit. Upon inquiry it was found that the slab was removed as dilapidated some years ago from Alderman Newton's tomb in All Saints' Church­ yard, Leicester, when the tomb was restored or rather reconstructed in stone. This original slab gives the names of the Alderman's wives and children, and is now in a better condition than the stone one with H copy of the inscription, which was sub­ stituted for it. The Vicar and Churchwardens of All Saints' gave permission to place the slab inside the Church, where it now is, and where it will, no doubt, be safely preserved. Your Committee have made during the past year two somewhat exceptional grants of money, viz., one to the Fund for the Preservation and Restoration of the Saxon Church of Saint Lawrence, Bradford-on-Avon, and another towards the pre­ servation and restoration of such portions of the more ancient part of Saint Nicholas' Church, Leicester, as could not well, it was thought, be undertaken from the general subscriptions, which are all absorbed in other necessary works. The ancient little Church of S. Lawrence, Bradford-on-Avon, which has been for many years divided into two portions, and used for secular purposes, is now clearly proved to be not only a Saxon Church, but the only perfect Saxon Church remaining in England. As such it is recognised by Sir G. Gilbert Scott, R.A., Mr. E. A. Freeman, and Mr. J. H. Parker, the latter gentleman, after very careful examina­ tion of the edifice, extending over a number of years, concluding that the Church was built in the time of King jEthelwold, between !)70 and 975, or possibly then built of wood only, and rebuilt of stone about 1025—not later. It is, he says, the only perfect example we have of that period, and forms a chapter in the national history. Several of the local architectural societies have subscribed to the fund for preserving a Church so unique, and of which William of Malmesbury, writing at the latest in 1125, said, " And there is to this day, at Bradford, a little Church which Aldhelm is said to have founded and dedicated to the blessed Saint Lawrence." With regard to S. Nicholas' Church, Leicester, your Committee have to report fully hereafter. You are no doubt aware that your Committee have used, and are using, every available means to preserve the Hospital of William Wyggeston in Leicester. Whether they succeed in rescuing this monument of one of Leicester's greatest benefactors from desecration and destruction or not, the members of this Society, and the public generally, may rest assured that your Committee have left undone nothing that can tend to arrest such a proceeding. They are convinced that almost all now view it as at least an unnecessary call for the destruction of a venerable building, and as a consequence for the desecration of ground, hallowed by long association with religious duties and Christian burial. They confidently assert that posterity would condemn such a proceeding, and they earnestly invite the co­ operation of all the members of this Society in their endeavours to preserve the building. All archaeologists will join with your Committee in recording their sense of the great loss sustained by literature, and especially by that branch of it devoted to antiquarian research, in the death of Mr. John Gough Nichols, F.S.A. Mr. Nichols, in addition to being one of the founders of the Camden Society, was the editor of the " Gentleman's Magazine" when that periodical was especially the organ of antiquaries and historical students. He also edited several works on topography and genealogy. He was one of the first honorary members of this Society, and upon more than one occasion a contributor to its Transactions. As the grandson of the historian of Leicestershire, he always evinced considerable interest in all historical or antiquarian subjects connected with the county. The publications of the Society for the past year have been placed in your bands. That part confined exclusively to its own Transactions contains several sheets of carefully drawn illustrations of the very fine Roman glass found at Barrow-on-Soar in 1867. For the preparation of these illustrations you are much indebted to the artistic skill of a native of Leicester, Mr. E. Burgess, architect, London. Your Committee have added to the officers of the Society a honorary correspond­ ing member for Coventry, Mr. Fretton (who contributed to the success of the late Congress in that city) having kindly undertaken to fill that office. The following audited Statement of Accounts for the year 1873 was next read :— REPORT. 245

THE LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCH.EOLOGICAL SOCIETY. TREASURER'S STATEMENT, 1873. RECEIPTS. PAYMENTS. 1873. £. a. d. 1873. £. B. d. Jan. 1. Balance from old Williamson, for Associated account .. .. 62 5 0 Societies' Volume .. .. 27 14 0 Dec. 31. Subscriptions and GranttoPublishingCommittee 30 0 0 arrears received dur­ Crossley and Clarke for mak­ ing the year .. 108 10 6 ing up and sending out The Northants. So­ volumes, printing, &e., &c., ciety proportion of for 1872 7 13 0 expenses attending A Year's Rent due L. D. 18722 5 0 0 Lutterworth Meet­ Crossley and Clarke for 18733 5 2 B ing in 1872 .. 6 6 10 A Year's Rent due L. D. 18733 5 0 0 Expenses at Lutterworthh Meeting, 1872, in full . 4 3 6 Advertising, 1872 and 1873.. 4 12 6 Royal Archaeological Institutee 1 1 0 Grant to Saxon Church, Bradford-on-Avon .' 2 0 0 Do. to S. Nicolas' Church, Leicester .. .. .' 20 0 0 Advertising Coventry Meetingg 1 8 0 Hall Keeper, one year . 0 9 0 Collector's Commission 0 5 0 Sundries .. .. 2 6 5 Balance in hand .. . 60 7 5 £177 2 4 £177 2 4

1874.—Jan. 1. Balance in hand, £60. 7s. 5d. Audited and found correct, (Signed) ALFRED WHITBY.

The Report and Statement of Accounts having been received and passed in the usual manner, The thanks of the Society were given to the Mayor for the use of the Town Library for meetings; to the press for reporting the proceedings of the Society; and to the Committee and Officers of the Society for the past year, all of whom were re-elected. The Eev. Prebendary Mackenzie E. C. Walcott, F.S.A. was elected an Honorary Member of the Society. The following antiquities, &c., were exhibited:— By the CHAIEMAN : a pitcher found at the bottom of an old well at Thorpe Langton. By ME. W. G. DIMOCK FLETCHEB : a Roman vase, dug up some years ago in Newark Street, at the same time six skeletons were found two or three feet above the vase, each of the skeletons had a large stone over it, and round the neck of one was a brass chain. Mr. Fletcher also exhibited a curious knife, discovered near 246 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Danett's Hall, the date of which is probably the middle of the last century; and also a parchment document, date 1654, signed by Ferdinando 6th Earl of Huntingdon, Lucy, Countess of Hunting­ don, his wife (daughter of Sir John Davys), and Colonel Henry Hastings, the distinguished royalist leader. By MR. HUNT : a tortoiseshell double snuff box, apparently intended to contain two kinds of snuff, or probably one for the owner and another for his friends; it was of about the beginning of this century. Also a pin with four heads, and a ring set round with camoes cut in lava. Also a silver seal found in a ploughed field near Norton Church; the coat of arms engraved thereon was a bar engrailed between three female busts.

March 80th, 1874. THE KEY. THOMAS FABEBBOTHEB in the chair. After the reading of correspondence, &c., Mr. Alfred H. Paget, Architect, Leicester, was elected a Member of the Society. The following antiquities, &c., were exhibited:— By ME. HUNT : an ancient clock standing on an oaken bracket; four silver shoe-buckles with crystal ornaments. By MB. W. G. D. FLETCHEK : two pieces of Samian ware, one the base of a small vase with the potter's mark TAVBICIM, the other a fragment of a tazza with raised ornamentation. Mr. Fletcher further produced two Civil War Tracts dated 1642, and a parchment deed, dated llth June, 9 James I., bearing the signa­ ture of Sir Edward Dymock of Scrivelsby, Knight, Champion at the Coronation of King James the First. MAJOR BELLAIRS read the following Paper on

THE DISCOVEEY OF LEADEN COFFINS. THE interesting discovery in September and October last of three leaden coffins in Newarke Street, Leicester, has naturally given rise to some speculation as to what period of our history they belong, and how they came to be deposited in that place. The first coffin was found on the 1st of September last, during excavations for cellarage, on the premises of Mr. Charles Billson. It was found lying east and west, with the feet towards the east, at a depth of about five feet from the present surface of the ground. The length of the lid was five feet ten inches, but that of the coffin itself was only five feet four inches; breadth of lid at the head twenty-five inches, at the foot sixteen inches; breadth of the ends, DISCOVERY OF LEADEN COFFINS. 247 at the head twenty inches, at the foot fourteen inches; depth at the head twenty-five inches, at the foot eighteen inches. The large size of this coffin (which has a slight striated pattern upon it) leads to the inference that it was made either for a double interment or for a person of unusual size. It had apparently been partially filled with lime, and the whole had been enclosed in a wooden chest, which, however, rapidly perished when exposed to the air. Unfortunately this coffin was pulled to pieces and the contents disturbed by the workmen as soon as it was found. One skeleton only is supposed to have been found in it; that of a female of mature age. After the removal of the coffin to the Town Museum, the Curator there reports the discovery of a seed of the carob bean imbedded in the lime at the bottom, and of a piece of coarse Roman ware. Several pieces of Samian ware were found about the coffin—that is, in the grave. These discoveries—setting aside the topographical testimony which will be referred to presently—led to the belief that the interment was made by the Romans during their occupancy of Rutce, or ancient Leicester. Mr. Charles Roach Smith (whose opinion in all matters con­ nected with the archasology of the Romans in Britain is always deservedly received by antiquaries with great deference and con­ sideration) visited Leicester shortly after this discovery, and thus refers to it in a letter to the Builder:—" I cannot ascribe to it [the coffin] a Roman paternity, for although it may not be many centuries posterior to the Roman period, it does not conform in character to any one of the many leaden coffins of undoubted Roman manufacture with which I am familiar. I will not say these coffins" [Mr. Smith had been informed of, but had not seen, the subsequent discoveries described presently] "may not be as late or later than the eleventh or twelfth century." This opinion from so learned an antiquary as Mr. C. Roach Smith appeared to be conclusive against the Roman origin of this coffin. But on the 10th of October, a few days "after his visit to Leicester, and his inspection of the first coffin, two more leaden coffins were found about 50 yards from the site of the old one— upon the premises of Messrs. Brierley. They lay at a depth of about 4 feet from the present surface, side by side, with a space of about 2 feet between them. They, like the first one, were laid east and west, and, like it, at a distance of about six yards from the street. Mr. Harrison, the Curator of the Leicester Museum, who made a minute examination of these coffins, says:—" The lead of which they were composed was quite half an inch in thick­ ness, and bore no trace of ornamentation. Each was formed of two pieces only, the corners of a large sheet of lead having been cut out, and the sides and ends bent up and hammered together, apparently without the use of solder; the lid was bent down over 248 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. this about a couple of inches all round .... Each coffin was crossed inside by three iron bars which sustained the lid. The skulls were very imperfect ... A few feet from the spot I took out some fragments of a large Roman urn, and a glass lachrymatory was also found. These coffins had evidently been partly filled with lime .... Nothing was found in them (in addition to the skeletons) with the exception of several pieces of charcoal." As before remarked, Mr. Smith saw only the first discovered of these three coffins; and his remark upon its non-conformity to undoubted examples of the Roman period certainly does not apply to the two subsequently found; neither do I think that Mr. Smith gave sufficient attention to the locality where they were exhumed. That locality would be just outside the Roman south wall of the ancient city, the southgate of which would be in Millstone Lane, opposite Marble Street. I may mention that many skeletons, a glass cinerary urn, and other leaden coffins (one I understand, orna­ mented with a star pattern) have also been discovered on this site. This position for the Cemetery would be in strict conformity with the laws and customs of the Romans. Mr. Bloxam, in his Frag- menta Sepulchralia says, " Although prohibited by the laws of the twelve tables from burying or burning their dead within their cities or towns, they (the Romans) were allowed to deposit their remains close by; and at many of the ancient towns in Italy, the burial places still appear on the sides of the roads leading from them, commencing near the gates, which custom prevailed amongst them also in Britain, since their sepulchral vestiges are most com­ monly found adjoining or very near to stations, and in or by the sides of their public highways." That such was the custom in this country is shown by the known sites of the Roman Cemeteries outside the walls of London, York, Lincoln, and many other places. I think in addition to locality, the type of coffins found, and the existence in, or near, of indications of Roman occupancy, all point to a Roman origin for the coffins. Perhaps much stress should not be laid upon their position, but the fact of the bodies lying east and west, with feet towards the east, implies that they were interred rather with Pagan than Christian rites. If to all this it be added that Leicester was a city of considerable size during the Roman occupancy of Britain, and so must have had a Cemetery near to it, and that Marble Street and Brown Street represent the south road leading from Leicester, there requires little ingenuity in pointing to the site where these coffins were found as the Cemetery of Roman Leicester, and the road just indicated as the " Street of the Tombs of Ratffl." I therefore am of opinion that the coffins in question are Roman, and that opinion is shared in by several antiquaries well qualified to form a correct conclusion from the evidence afforded. DISCOVEBY OF LEADEN COFFINS. 249 This enquiry has led to the following suggestion—That all Roman discoveries should be marked on a plan of the town, in the exact site where recently found, and on the supposed site where described by old historians. This would probably throw a very great light on the plan of Roman Leicester—for instance, the Roman Columns, found at the corner of St. Nicholas Street, and those near St. Martin's Church, and others in Blue Boar Lane, seem to point out the sides of some large square—which would probably be the Roman Forum. It is remarkable that within this area no Roman foundations or pavements have been discovered. The position of the Old Roman Bow Bridge (of which the founda­ tions are said still to remain) would mark the west entrance to the city; and it need scarcely be said very many other discoveries of apparently no importance. One of the Plans recently published by the Borough Surveyor, which is very correct, would answer the purpose very well.*

May 25th, 1874. CAPTAIN WHITBY in the chair. After the transaction of business in Committee MB. JAMES THOMPSON reported the result of enquiries he had made relative to the preservation of Wyggeston's Hospital, Leicester. T. E. Blunt, Esq., M.D., was elected a member of the Society.

» Such a Map exists. It was presented to the Society several years ago by the Borough Surveyor (Mr. Stephens). It has since that time been in the care of Mr. James Thompson, who has, I believe, marked upon it most of the discoveries of Roman Remains within the limits of the Borough. The following Remarks by Mr. Charles Eoach Smith, recently made by him in " Footprints of the Romans in Kent," are appended as of value with reference to the above Paper:—" These coffins are of the highest interest, and it is a reproach to the intelligence of the day that so often they have been sacrificed for the paltry consideration of the value of the metal. They are valuable illustrations of the manufactures in native lead, one of the mineral productions of Britain which tempted the Eomans to subjugate this remote and ungenial country and maintain it so long by such costly sacrifices of men and money. The exports from Britain, in lead, tin, and iron, must have been very great. Evi­ dences are abundant of the extent of the mines, and also of the iron foundries. From the earliest period of occupation to the time of Severus, at least, pigs or blocks of manufactured lead, stamped with imperial name, have been found here and there, lost most probably in transit; and we find that throughout the province this metal was applied to public and domestic purposes much as at the present day. Roman leaden coffins must have been very common among the higher class, for, within the last few years, a considerable number have been discovered and preserved. Pre­ viously, they were never understood, and, consequently, destroyed for the sake of the metal. They are nearly always, not invariably, ornamented, and sometimes tastefully, with good designs. These designs have given rise to speculations on their meaning in reference to their application to the furniture of the grave. But I very much doubt if symbolism ever entered into the minds of the manufacturers. Even in the scallop shell, which, in the middle ages, was an emblem with the pilgrims, I see ornamentation only, applied capriciously, according to the humour or whim of the maker."—T. N., March 1877. 250 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

LEICESTER ANCIENT STAINED GLASS. ME. NORTH contributed the following remarks upon further portions of this glass (see p. 138). THE ACTS OF MEBCY. The windows and walls of our churches were not only adorned during the Middle Ages with representations of the real and legendary events in the Life of the Blessed Virgin or in the Lives of the Saints, with scenes depicting the administration of the seven Sacraments, or with attempts to show many of the historical events recorded in Holy Scripture, but the lessons inculcated by our Lord and His Apostles were also delineated in that way for the instruction of those—then by far the greater number—who could be taught far more easily by the eye than by the ear. Prominently among the lessons thus sought to be impressed upon the people were scenes depicting the performance of those acts of kindness and charity to our fellow creatures known as the Acts of Corporeal Mercy. Saint Jerome, in his Commentary on the 32nd (Vulgate) Psalm, speaks of these as six in number. These are mentioned in the xxv. chapter of S. Matthew's Gospel, verses 35 and 36:—To Feed the Hungry : To Give Drink to the Thirsty; To Shelter the Stranger: To Clothe the Naked : To Visit the Sick: and To Visit the Prisoner. The seventh Act of Mercy—To Bury the Dead— appears to have been added from the Apocryphal Book of Tobit. Of mural paintings of these subjects there is an interesting example in the Church of Ruabon, in North Wales. It was dis­ covered a few years ago on the wall of the south aisle during repairs. It originally extended nearly the whole length of the wall, but the portion now legible is at the east end, and extends for rather more than 15 feet. The painting is five feet high, with a zig-zag border along the top, excepting at the western end, where the figures are higher. The portions now left represent—Feeding the Hungry, Giving Drink to the Thirsty, Clothing the Naked, and Sheltering the Stranger; other scenes are not so distinct. The peculiarity in this painting is the presence of an angel in each scene, standing behind the principal figure, and apparently prompt­ ing him to the act of mercy. On the vacant space above the painting is the text, S. Matthew, xxv., 40, in Welsh.* It is said to be of the thirteenth century. In Kimpton Church, Herts., are remains of similar painting of the fourteenth century. Representations of the six Acts of Mercy in stained glass are » For a full description of this painting the writer is indebted to the Rey. C. Godfrey Price, of Erbistook. s?

2.

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• XIX - Giving Drink Do BK XX Gothing the Mctlttd - LEICESTER ANCIENT STAINED GLASS. 251 existing at All Saints' Church, North Street, York. These are very good specimens of early fifteenth century work, each subject occupying a separate compartment. At Nostel Priory Church there are a series of small medallions of foreign glass representing the same subjects, and doubtless the Acts of Mercy as a whole series, or in portions, are to be met with in other of the ancient windows of our churches. The Leicester glass does not now give the complete series; we •find Feeding the Hungry (a fragment only), Giving Drink to the Thirsty, Sheltering the Stranger, Clothing the Naked, Visiting the Sick, and Burying the Dead. Visiting or Keleasing the Prisoner is not now in existence. Feeding the Hungry.—A fragment only of this subject is preserved: it is now found inserted in the same compartment as the " Holy Eucharist," being placed under that Sacrament. A large wicker basket full of food stands in the background, from which a tall man—the lower part of whose body only is left—is handing a loaf to a mendicant. Giving Drink to the Thirsty.—This subject is in excellent preservation. The principal figure, who is engaged in pouring drink from a large pitcher into the cups of thirsty people near to him, is attired in the long furred gown worn almost universally by laymen of the period—it has hanging sleeves. The face is closely shaven and the hair long, as was then the fashion. The cap is a flat one, with, the flaps or brim turned up and secured in the manner prevalent in the time of Henry the Seventh. Behind this principal figure stands a serving man bearing a huge tankard in each hand, from which to replenish his master's pitcher as occasion requires. Sheltering the Stranger.—The principal figure in this compart­ ment is attired in a similar way to that just described: the front of the figure being given, the fur on the long gown is clearly shown. He is leading a poor wayfarer by the hand into his house. Through the window another guest is visible, comfortably ensconced in bed. Clothing the Naked.—The principal figure here, attired like those already described, is placing a garment upon a poor creature bending before him: behind him stands a serving man carrying over his arm more garments for distribution; whilst waiting to receive the good man's bounty are two mendicants either entirely, or nearly, in a state of nudity. Visiting the Sick is a very graphic delineation of this act of mercy. The sick man lying in bed is naked with the exception of a coif on the head. The principal figure—attired as in the other compartments—is presenting him with coins, much to the admira­ tion of a female relative or attendant, who holds up her hands in astonishment at the liberality of their benefactor. The sick man's 252 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL boots and crutch are upon the floor, and the necessary conveniences of a sick chamber are freely portrayed. Burying the Dead.—The corpse wrapped in a shroud, marked on the breast with a cross, is about being lowered into the grave by two attendants. The priest, habited in surplice and stole, touches the body with the large processional cross which he carries in his left hand; in his right hand he has the sprinkle—or small brush made of hyssop—with which he is sprinkling holy water upon the dead body. He is attended by his acolyte, who holds the Office book open upon his breast. Behind stand two mourners—a man carrying a lighted taper and a rosary, and a female wearing the mourning cover-chief or hood. The act of burial was treated in a similar manner in mural painting in Pickering Church, Yorkshire, and in Mid-Lavant Church, Sussex, both now unfortunately destroyed. MAJOE BELLAIKS remarked that in one of the pieces was the monogram R W, the initials being those of Roger Wigston. As the same figure was continued throughout, he suggested it might have been intended for that person, who was an eminent merchant in this town, or possibly for his brother, the founder of the Hospital. The CHAIRMAN then read the following observations upon a proposed badge for the Leicestershire Militia:— Glengarry caps have been issued to the Leicestershire Regiment of Militia, the authorities at the War Office have requested the Commanding Officer to send up for the inspection of His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief, a badge or device (which should be of a county character) to be worn upon the same. The badge which I submit to your notice has been approved by the Colonel and officers, simply from its having been upon the Colours of the Regiment since the year 1800; but it certainly is not of a county character. Possibly some member of the learned Society now assembled may be able to say if there is any county device that might more appropriately be adopted. Referring to the Colours of the Regiment, the following letter applies :— " Horse Guards, 15th Deer., 1800. " Sir,—It is His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief s pleasure that on receipt hereof you are to cause the Union and County Colours of the Regiment under your command to be forwarded (without the staves) to the Office of Ordnance in the Tower of London, for the purpose of being altered to the new pattern which, by order of His Majesty, will be adopted on the approaching union of Great Britain and Ireland. " I have the honour to be, &c., &c., &c., "W. WTOYARD, D.A.G. " The Duke of Rutland, " Commanding Leicestershire Regt. of Militia." For Illustration of Burying the Dead see opposite page 241. AKCH-ffiOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 253 On being appealed to, ME. THOMPSON explained that originally badges were used to place on the arms of the retainers of the old feudal lords, to distinguish them from the dependents of other lords: the Stafford knot and the Leicester cinquefoil being examples of this kind. These badges were sometimes charges upon the shield of the feudal chief—at others, devices of a different character. Mr. Thompson considered the arms of the county, like those of the borough, should be those of the Beaumonts, the early Norman lords of Leicester, the suzerain chiefs of the district, with some difference to distinguish them from the borough. In the case of the Militia, that difference might be made by placing on a chief or a canton, the badge which the Kegiment had used since 1800. The arms would then be gules, a cinquefoil ermine—on a canton, the Irish harp with eight strings, within a belt inscribed, nulla vestigia retrorsum—the present badge. Mr. Thompson said the use of the badge having existed for 74 years, and commemo­ rating the services of the Regiment in going over to Ireland, ready to do active duty, could not be objected to, but fully justified its continuance. MB. AGAE reported that some of the original plates of Nichols' History of the County had recently been discovered at Ansley Hall, near Nuneaton, formerly the residence of John Newdigate Ludford, Esq. They were 22 in number, and related to that part of the County History in which Mancetter and places in that district are described. They are now in the possession of a townsman of Atherstone. ME. THOMPSON reported that Sir Henry Dryden, Bart., had lately visited Leicester on two occasions, and devoted much time and attention to making correct and complete plans of Wigston's Hospital. He had offered to allow the Society to take copies of them for preservation as mementos of the building, should it think fit to incur the expense. A resolution was unanimously adopted that Sir Henry Dryden's offer be accepted, with the Society's thanks. A sub-Committee to make arrangements for the Annual Summer Meeting and Excursion was then appointed.

July Uth, 1874. The REV. J. H. HILL in the chair. In consequence of the small attendance, the consideration of proposals affecting the preservation of Wyggeston's Hospital was deferred until the next meeting of the Committee. A LETTEE was read from Mr. North, one of the Honorary 254 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Secretaries, stating his inability, in consequence of ill-health and absence from Leicester, to give the same attention as heretofore to the interests of the Society. He offered to continue his services as Editorial Secretary and sub-Treasurer, and suggested—with the entire approval of his colleague, Major Bellairs—the appointment of a third Honorary Secretary, whose duty it should be to call and attend all the meetings, keep the Minute Book and papers of the Society, and to further its interests in every way in his power. It was RESOLVED unanimously that the best thanks of the Society are due, and are hereby tendered, to Mr. North for his valuable services during the last thirteen years, and that he be requested to continue in office on the terms mentioned in his letter. It was further RESOLVED that Mr. S. Bull, of Sparkenhoe Street, Leicester, be requested to undertake the office of Additional Secretary until the Annual Meeting of the Society, with the duties pointed out in Mr. North's letter.

July 27th, 1874. MB. G. H. NEvmsoN in the chair. It was REPORTED that Mr. Bull had agreed to accept the appointment of Additional Secretary. A Report of the sub-Committee was read relative to the preser­ vation of Wyggestbn's Hospital. A LETTER from Mr. James Thompson was read relating to the Wyggeston's Hospital, and to the Summer Meeting and Excursion. It was RESOLVED that the Summer Meeting be held in Leicester on the 8th and 9th of September next. LEICESTER ANCIENT STAINED GLASS. MR. NORTH contributed the following descriptive notes upon the remaining portions of this glass (see p. 138). Four Saints are depicted on the Leicester Glass, viz.:— S. MARGARET, S. CATHARINE, S. CHRISTOPHER, AND S. GEORGE. A few words upon each will suffice by way of explanation. SAINT MARGARET, One of the most popular of the mediaeval Saints, is supposed to have been the daughter of Theodosius, a pagan priest of Antioch. Having embraced Christianity she suffered martyr-

THE LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 255 dom, by decapitation, under Diocletian, on 20th July, A.D. 306. She was considered the Patroness of Innocence and Meekness, and (from her supposed deliverance from the womb of the dragon) the Patron Saint whose help was sought by women in child-birth. Her popularity in this country is attested by the fact of there being no less than 238 Churches dedicated to her honour, and by fre­ quently finding her represented in stained glass and mural painting. She is usually depicted wearing the crown of martyrdom; in one hand she carries a book symbolical of her learning, and in the other a long cross with which she pierces the dragon, which endeavoured to terrify her from her faith. Her name is retained in the Calendar of the English Church on 20th July. The artist of the Leicester glass adheres to the conventional mode of treatment. S. Margaret—whose hair falls in rich pro­ fusion over her shoulders—is attired in a close fitting dress, over which she wears a loose robe fastened at the neck with a morse. She wears the martyr's crown, and her head is sur­ rounded by a nimbus. In her left hand she carries a book symbolical of her learning, and in her right a handsome pro­ cessional cross, with the end of which she has pierced a dragon at her feet. SAINT CATHARINE Was considered the Patroness of Secular Learning, and as such, she is represented on the Leicester glass as carrying a book in her left hand. She wears the crown both as a sovereign princess and also as a martyr. A nimbus surrounds her head. In her right hand she bears a sword (the instrument of her martyrdom) with the point downwards; whilst at her feet is a wheel armed with teeth, the intended instrument of her death. Representations of S. Catharine are frequently to be met with in our ancient churches. A fine mural painting of her (very like the present example) was uncovered in Saint Martin's Church, Leicester, some years ago, and may be found figured in my " Chronicle " of that Church. Her name is also frequently found upon Pre-Eeformation Church Bells. It is retained in the Calendar of the English Church on the 25th of November. SAINT CHRISTOPHER. The legend of S. Christopher, one of the most popular of the many allegories presented to churchmen in the middle ages, may be thus epitomized :— S. Christopher was of great stature, and had a terrible and fearful countenance. While still a heathen, it came into his mind that he would seek the greatest prince in the world and obey him. Accordingly he travelled until he came to a sovereign who s VOL. IV. 256 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. was renowned as the greatest in the world, and in his service he stayed until, upon a certain day, a minstrel sang before him a song in which he often named the devil. The king, who was a Christian man, when he heard him name the devil made the sign of the cross in his visage, which induced Christopher to ask the reason of such an act. Upon hearing that it was done to protect him from the devil, he concluded that the devil was mightier far than the king he then served, and so left him, saying, "I commend thee to God, for I will go seek him (the devil) to be my lord and I his servant." In journeying over the desert he met with a great company of knights. One of them, a knight cruel and horrible, accosted him and told him he was the person he sought. They journeyed on till they came to a cross, at which the devil was frightened, left the direct road, and regained it by a circuitous way. This excited Christopher's curiosity, who at last obtained the true reason for the fear his companions evinced. He then exclaimed, " I have laboured in vain, and I will serve thee no longer; go thy way, for I will go seek the Christ." He travelled into a desert and met a hermit, who instructed him in Christianity and ultimately placed him beside a river, where many perished, to bear over travellers harmless, he being of gigantic stature and strength; at the same time assuring him that Christ would approve his work, and appear unto him. Christopher took up his abode there, bearing a great pole in his hand, instead of a staff, to support him in the water, and 'carried over people constantly for many days ; until one night, as he slept in his bed, he heard the voice of a child calling him, and praying to be carried over the water. Then Christopher lifted up the child on his shoulders, and, taking his staff, entered into the river to pass, when the water arose, and swelled more and more, and the child was heavy as lead, and as he went further the water increased, and the child grew more and more heavy, insomuch that Christopher was afraid to be drowned. When he had passed the water, and set the child aground, he said, " Child, thou hast put me in great peril; thou weighest almost as if I had the world upon me." And the child answered, " Christopher, marvel thee nothing; for thou hast not only borne all the world upon thee; but Him also that created and made all the world; I am the Christ, the King, to whom thou servest in this work." And as a token of the truth, he told him that if he set his staff in the earth, by his house, it should grow. When he arose in the morning he found his staff like a palm, bearing flowers, leaves, and dates. Christopher then travelled to Lycia and converted many by exhibiting this miracle, until the king condemned him to death. He commanded that Christopher should be bound to a strong stake and shot through with arrows, but none of them could hit him, for the arrows hung in the air about him without touching him. Then the king, addressing himself to go to him, one of the arrows

THE LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 257 suddenly emote him in the eye and blinded him. Christopher then told the king he might recover his sight by mixing his (Christopher's) blood with clay and anointing his eye therewith, which, after the decapitation of the saint, he did, and recovered to vindicate God and the martyr. The teaching of this legend—that not ascetic lives only were acceptable, but that the simplest and most servile work rendered to Christ, and the performance of humble daily duties were accepted and acknowledged by Him—being what would be easily under­ stood, and gratefully accepted, by the great mass of the people, rendered S. Christopher pre-eminently a layman's saint, and his name one of the most popular in the mediaeval calendar. His figure is found still existing in the parish churches of this country more frequently than that of any other saint. Indeed it would be tedious to enumerate the vast number of representations still to be found in ancient stained glass and mural painting. It must suffice to say that in York alone there are six representations of him in ancient glass, exclusive of the gigantic figure in a window on the south side of the nave of the Minster; and that wherever mural paintings of large extent are uncovered in churches, S. Christopher is almost always a prominent figure. The most detailed painting of that kind I have seen exists in the church of S. Peter, Shorwell, Isle of Wight. It was fully described by me in " The Midland Counties Historical Collector,"* in the year 1855. Nearly the whole legend, from the march with Satan to the martyrdom of the saint, is there given with minute detail. It was thought in mediaeval times that whoever looked upon the figure of S. Christopher would not weary throughout the day, but would have strength given him to go through his work. He was also thought to be a preserver against sudden and unnatural death. A few churches were dedicated to him in this country. " The Christopher" was a popular inn sign in the middle ages—his badge was worn by travellers on their breasts; Chaucer tells us the yeoman in the Canterbury Pilgrimage wore " A Cristofre on his brest of silver," and an early, if not the first known, woodcut engraving represents Saint Christopher. So whether in church or at market, on a journey or in the study, the figure of this popular saint was constantly before the eye. The representation on the Leicester glass is in very good pre­ servation. The saint is represented as a powerful man with a profuse beard, and up to his ankles in water. His knees are bending under him with the weight of his burden. He supports himself by leaning heavily with both hands upon a rough staff, which already has miraculously burst forth into leaf. The Divine • Vol. i., p. 800. 258 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Child, who is seated on his shoulder, bears in his left hand the Orb of Sovereignty surmounted by the Cross of Redemption : his right hand is held up in benediction. His head is surrounded by a nimbus, within which is a cross pattee.

S. GEORGE Was acknowledged as the Patron Saint of England in lieu of S. Edward the Confessor, at the synod of Oxford, held in the year 1220. His great popularity during the middle ages is attested by the very many representations of him still remaining in sculpture —chiefly in the tympana of Norman doorways and on fonts—in ancient stained glass and mural painting. The old battle-cry of the English soldier was " Saint George for England." Under his name Edward the Third, in the year 1330, instituted what is now the most ancient, the most noble, and the grandest Order of Knighthood in Europe—the Order of the Garter. The stalls of the Knights of this Order in Saint George's Chapel, Windsor, are gorgeous with their armorial bearings and insignia. Special prayers are there offered in the daily service for all members of the Order, and on " Obit-Sunday " there is a special service held on their behalf.* So great was his popularity that in spite of the uncertainty attaching even to his existence, his name was retained in the Calendar of the Church of England, when so many "black- letter " saints were struck out in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. His name will be found under date of 23rd of April. The " Union Jack" of England, which flies supreme on every sea of the world, is the Cross of S. George combined with that of S. Andrew, the Patron Saint of Scotland. S. George was said to have been born in Cappadocia, but like other illustrious men the place of his birth has been disputed. An amusing instance of this came to light during the recent visit of this Society to Coventry, when it was stated that the city of the " three tall spires " claimed to be the birth-place of the saint. As a sequel to that claim it should be mentioned that when the renowned "Peeping Tom" was taken from the window where it has been for so long exhibited, and placed before our learned member, Mr. M. H. Bloxam, F.S.A., he at once gave it as his opinion that the figure was one of S. George of the time of Henry the Seventh, and that it had been probably taken from one of the city churches. Other ancient wooden figures of S. George are in existence, but they are rare. In Leicester the Guild of Saint George had its chapel in S. Martin's. Church, where a richly caparisoned figure of the saint on horseback stood upon a platform, and "the Riding of the George " was one of the most popular holidays of the year. I have • Blunt's Annotated Prayer Book, p. 46. vaur) wncr) ?in • THE LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 259 given a full description of this and of the Guild in my " Chronicle ofS. Martin's Church." The artist of the Leicester glass represents S. George as equipped in a full suit of armour as it was worn during the latter half of the fifteenth century; showing the salade or skull cap, the collar of mail, the large elbow and knee pieces, the protuberant breast plate, &c. A nimbus surrounds the head. The saint, as type of the Christian soldier, is transfixing the huge dragon—the emblem of sin—upon which he is treading, with the spear in his left hand, whilst his right wields a large sword with which he is about to slay the monster. The winged dragon, with a head at each extremity, writhes in powerful, but vain, resistance beneath the firm tread of the saint.

"TOWN CBEST" AND TOWN AEMS. The two remaining portions of this Leicester ancient glass contain what have been described as " The Town Crest" and " The Town Arms." It is questionable whether the subject on the first is correctly designated. The crest of the Borough of Leicester has long been a "Wyvern. The fabulous Wyvern is represented, heraldically, as a beast with two short legs; the animal here depicted has four, and so accords with the heraldic dragon : it has also a curious addition—it is carrying in its mouth what is apparently one of its own young, the wings of which are undeveloped. I must leave those members of our Society who are more learned in heraldry than myself to discuss the meaning—if it has any—of the subject so depicted on this piece of glass. The Town Arms of Leicester—Gules, a cinquefoil ermine—are clearly intended to be depicted on the second of these "lights." It may be worthy of notice that it has been for many years customary to depict the ermines as pointing not all downwards, but each from the centre of the cinquefoil to the point of each foil. They are so shown on the silver waits' badge preserved in the Town Museum; they have so appeared upon many, if not all, of the shields of arms upon various publications issued by the Cor­ poration, and they have also appeared in that way at the head of local newspapers. This method, appearing to me to be incorrect, and my own impression being strengthened by the mode of depicting them on this ancient glass, where the ermines are all given as pointing downwards, I ventured to raise the question in the portion of a local newspaper set apart for such antiquarian matters of local interest. Our friend, Mr. Wm. Kelly, in order to answer my query, and to obtain the highest authority on the subject, appealed to Sir Albert Wood, Garter King at Arms, who very courteously sent him four tracings from different drawings of 260 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. the Borough Arms and Seals in the Old Register of the College of Arms, in which (in every instance) the ermine spots are shown as pointing downwards, and which mode, Sir Albert stated, was "quite correct." As it is well to be " quite correct" in this as in everything else, I trust that our local authorities and all other persons will note this decision, and follow- it in all future representations of the Town Arms. There is preserved with this glass already described a further piece, square in form, upon which is depicted the nondescript animal here shown. CONCLUDING REMARKS. I have nothing more now to say with regard to this extremely interesting and valuable stained glass beyond offering a few remarks and suggestions as to the probable use of the building in which it was originally placed. Both Nichols and Throsby state that the house in Haghcross Street in which this glass was originally placed was the Chantry House belonging to the Guild of Corpus Christi; but neither of them give any authority for the statement. Indeed Nichols speaks of the Guild Hall and four houses adjoining (which will be referred to presently) as belonging to the Guild of S. George, whereas the Hall of that Guild, although standing in Town Hall Lane, was a totally distinct building from the Hall of Corpus Christi.* My own impression is that the Chantry Houses occupied by the priests of Corpus Christi were in close proximity to the Hall. —that whilst the latter occupied one side of a court, the portion now known as the Mayor's Parlour another, the Chantry or resi­ dences of the priests occupied the third, or south side, where in later times were the kitchen and culinary offices of the Corporation, and where now stand the more modern residence and offices of the Chief Constable. The following facts may be mentioned in confirmation : — The Guild Hall still stands. In the windows of the "Mayor's Parlour" are various fragments of stained glass, upon many of which is depicted the cognizance of the guild—the chalice and wafer. In the account of the Rent Gatherers of the Guild for 1492-3, now preserved, are these entries :— Repacions of the Chauntre: ffyrste paid to Ric. Bradfeld & his man for a day & a halfe ...... xviijd. This entry shows the existence of a Chantry. In the account of the Stewards of the Guild for 1525-6 is found:— • See North's Chronicle of S. Martin's Church, p. 244. THE LEICESTER STAINED GLASS. 261 It' for wedyng of the Cort & clensyng off the house ageynst Corp8. Xpi dynar ...... viijd. This shows a Court Yard. Again :— pd vnto a smyth at West Brygge ffor mendyng of the Chantre Wykkett & iiij keys ...... \id. This entry points to the " four houses " mentioned hy Nichols, a key being apparently provided for each of the chantry priests then occupying those houses. One of the houses was repaired at the same time:— It' for mendyn of a wyndow in Sr. Nycolas Chamb*. ... xijd. It may I think, from these brief premises, be assumed that the Chantry of the Corpus Christi Guild stood where we might expect to find it, namely, close to the Hall of the Guild, and to S. Martin's Church—the Church in which the altar of the Guild stood. If such be the case the house in which this ancient glass was originally placed was not a Chantry belonging to any fraternity belonging to S. Martin's parish. The glass itself does not lead us to infer that it was so, but rather the contrary. It is true almost all the subjects depicted are of a religious kind, but there is no cognizance of Corpus Christi Guild shown as is the case in the window of the Guild Hall already referred to, and which would almost certainly have been a prominent object had the priests of that Guild resided within its walls. Indeed there is nothing beyond the fact of the character of the subjects depicted to have led to the inference that the building was anything beyond the house of a well-to-do citizen of the reign of Henry the Seventh, and we may not unfairly—in the presence of facts already mentioned, and in the absence of any evidence to the contrary—conclude that such was its original use. A religious man of that time with artistic tastes, and with money to indulge them, would not be doing a very strange thing in adorning and beautifying the principal room of his dwelling in the manner indicated. This conclusion is strengthened, and its owner guessed at, with some show of probability, by the presence of the initials E. W. immediately under the subject depicted upon several pieces of the glass. As is well known several of the family of Wigston were emi­ nent merchants and good citizens of Leicester at the time this glass was made. William of that family was the munificent builder and founder of the Hospital standing on the west side of S. Martin's Church. There were evidently several of the name living in Leicester towards the close of the fifteenth century, for in a Kent Koll of Corpus Christi Guild for the year 1476, preserved amongst the muniments of the Corporation of Leicester, are the following entries:— 262 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. the parishe of sent Martens in the Hi strete* Of Thomas Melkinn for a tenement in the tenor of Richard Wygstn ...... iiij*. vjd. Of Thomas Wigstn for a tenement on the toder cornar of p' lanet...... ••• ••• iij*- Of a tenement of John Wygstn's in the tenor of Rechard Coke in ye cherch yard ...... iiij*. vjd. Of roger Wygstn for iij cotages in the Hote gatej ... x*. Of the same roger for a yate house ...... iijs. iijrf. Of the same roger for a shop sm time rechard Knightn's...... ij*. Of the same roger for the en callid'thegeorge ... vjd. It is to this Roger Wigston we may, I think, venture to assign the first ownership of this ancient stained glass about which we have been speaking. The initials are his—the date of the glass accords with the time when he was living a well-to-do, if not a wealthy, inhabitant of the town. The subjects are such as would commend themselves to the mind of a religious churchman of that date—Incidents in the Life of our Lord, Scenes from the legendary Life of the Blessed Virgin; the Sacraments of the Church; the Acts of M"ercy; figures of S. George, the patron saint of his country; of S. Christopher, the layman's special pattern; and of SS. Catharine and Margaret, both well known to him from their altars then standing in the parish churches of S. Martin and S. Margaret in the town in which he lived, and the arms of the municipality of which he was a member. In conclusion I would express a hope that this glass, so rare and unique as a local relic, so valuable as illustrating costume, ritual, and manners four hundred years ago, will be as carefully preserved in the future as it has been in the past; that it will be placed in a position where the instruction it has to give, and the tale it has to tell, may be accessible to all, then my successful endeavour to prevent its dispersion, and my attempts to enlist your interest in it by my series of short papers upon its history and upon the subjects it brings before us, will have accomplished their object. RESOLVED that the best thanks of the Society be tendered to Mr. Traylen for the great trouble he has taken in making the very careful drawings of the Leicester stained glass for future use in the Transactions of the Society. The following objects were exhibited :— By MB. G. H. NEVINSON : Photographs of the ancient Hospital of William of Wyggeston. By the REV. A. M. RENDELL: An impression of a seal of brass found in a field in the parish of Coston. It presented a double- headed spread-eagle. * Now Highoross Street. t Parchment Lane, now New Bond Street. } Now Silver Street. TRANSACTIONS

THE LEICESTERSHIRE auto

SOCIETY.

VOL. IV. —PART 4.

LEICESTEE: SAMUEL CLAEKE, 5, GALLOWTEEE GATE. 1878. PAGE. GENERAL SUMMER MEETING AT LEICESTER, 8th AND 9th SEPTEMBER, 1874 . .... 263 NOTES ON THE CONNECTION or THE PATE FAMILY WITH EYE-KETTLEBY AND SYSONBY, by Mr. North, F.S.A. (with Illustrated Pedigree) 263 NOTES ON S. MARTIN'S CHURCH, LEICESTER, by Mr. North, F.S.A. 273 NOTES ON THE LEICESTER CHURCHES, by Mr. Thomas Nevinson . 275 EVENING MEETING AT LEICESTER ... . 279 THE RoiJ.3 or THE MAYORS OF LEICESTER, by Mr. James Thompson 280 RICHARD FOWZE'S " EPHEMERIS," by the Rev. E. Tower . . 293 THE SUGGESTIVENESS OF THE NAMES OF PLACES, by the Rev. J. 0. Picton . . . .298 THE EXCURSION FROM LEICESTER .... 299 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 28th September, 1874 . . 307 TRINITY HOSPITAL, LEICESTER, by Colonel Bellairs . . 309 BI-MONTHLY MEETING 30th November, 1874 . . 317 NOTES ON THE PARISH REGISTERS OF EVINGTON, by Mr. North, F.S.A. 319 ANNUAL MEETING, 25th January, 1875 . . 321 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 29th Mfirch, 1875 . . .325 THE COINS OF OFFA, by the Rev. Canon Pownall, F.S.A. . . 326 BI-MONTHLY MEETING, 31st May, 1875 . . 328 MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS, by Mr. North, F.S.A. . 329 GENKBAL SUMMER MEETING. 268

GENERAL SUMMER MEETING. THE General Summer Meeting for 1874 was held in Leicester, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 8th and 9th of September, under the Presidency of the Worshipful the Mayor of Leicester, William Kempson, Esq. Tuesday, 8th September. The Proceedings were opened at the Guild Hall at Eleven o'clock, where a Public Meeting was held, when THE MAYOR said he took the chair, not in virtue of any special knowledge he possessed of archaeology, but in virtue of the office he held, which enabled him to offer to that Society from the town a respectful, kindly, and cordial welcome. He felt that each Society in the country represented a special phase of their civiliza­ tion, and great would be the loss to the country if any one of those Societies ceased to exist. In an old country like this, which contained so much of the past—amidst the remains of the Romans, the Saxons, the Danes, the Normans, and the Celts—a Society which made investigation of what remained of the past could indeed be ill-spared, and especially in a town like Leicester, for, as they were aware, their good old town possessed many memorials of the past —as many, and perhaps more, than most of the towns in this country. Although the inhabitants were that day engaged in that which concerned the business and the interest of the present, yet he trusted that they had sufficient intelligence to appreciate the investigation and learning of those who brought before them that which related to the past, and therefore he felt that the inhabitants of Leicester would have sufficient intelligence to derive both pleasure and profit from the investigations upon which they were then about to enter. MB. NORTH, one of the Honorary Secretaries of the Society, contributed the following Paper which was read in that gentleman's absence by Captain Whitby:—

NOTES ON THE CONNECTION OF THE PATE FAMILY, WITH EYE-KETTLEBY AND SYSONBY, IN THE COUNTY OF LEICESTER. ONE of the several hamlets belonging to Melton-Mowbray, in this county, is Eye-Kettleby, the water-mill of which is seen on his right hand by the traveller, on the Syston and Peterborough line of railway, as he approaches that town from Leicester. In addition to a cottage close by, there is one other house, called Guadaloupe, in the Lordship. T VOL. IV. 264 LEICESTERSHIRE ABCH1TECTURAL SOCIETY, This Lordship, to distinguish it from Ab-Kettleby, has been called from its size, Kettleby Parva ; from its situation on the river Eye, Eye-Kettleby ; and from its ancient Lords, Kettleby-Beler. In the time of King Edward the Confessor, it was held by Leuric Ftiz Leuin as part of the Manor of Melton, and after the Norman Conquest, was given, in addition to other vast estates, to Goisfrid de Wirce, from whom it came to Nigiel de Albini, and from him to his eldest son Roger de Mowbray, by whom it was bestowed on his brother Hamo, by a grant confirmed by Henry II., about the year 1160. This Hamo assumed the name of Beler, and Kettleby continued in his family until the death of John Beler, without issue, in the year 1475. It then came into the possession of his sister Marina, the wife of Thomas Green. From her the Manor came, in the reign of Henry VII., to Sir John Digby, Knight, by purchase. From Sir John Digby, a grandson of the original purchaser (who married Anne, one of the three daughters and co-heiresses of Wm. Parr, uncle to Queen Catharine Parr, last wife of Henry VIII.), this Lordship passed by mesne conveyance to Edward Pate, Esqre, "who," says Nichols, possessed it in 1596."* It is, however, certain that Edward Pate had been residing, and keeping a large establishment, at Kettleby for thirty years pre­ viously to that date, for there is among the Melton manuscripts, " A Reckoning and Accompt" of Robert Odam, junior, who, as Lord of Misrule of Melton, at Whitsuntide, 1568, charges his accompt with : — Itm a pottell of wyne to Kettleby to Mr. Patts . . Itm for spyce for the cakes ...... xxi<2. Itm to the iiij footemen ...... viijs. Itm to the ij buttlers ...... xxd. The Lord of Misrule, with his company, visited Mr. Pate, to gather his "Devocyn for the Repayring and mending the highe wayes." There is among the many valuable and curious manuscripts relating to Melton Mowbray, which were discovered a few years ago, and many of which I transcribed, the following Inventory of Goods, then the property of this Edward Pate, in the manor house of Eye-Kettleby, where he then resided, but of which house no trace is now visible : — "An Inventory Indented taken and praysed the xxviith daye of Marche Anno dni 1594 in the xxxvi"1 yeare of the Raigne of Elizabeth the Quens ma*16 that nowe ys &c of all such Implem*8 goodds & Chatties wch I Edwarde Pate of E Kettleby in the Countye of Leicester Esquier have bestowed and geven ffreelie vnto Edwarde

* Niehols's Leicester, Framland Hundred, 277 ; See also Barton's Leicestershire. THE PATE FAMILY. 265 Pate the sonne & heire of my sonne Henry Pate, and shalbe to his onely and prop vse and behooffe & so after his decease to theires of his bodie for ever & for wante of heires of his bodye to Remaine to his brother John Pate and to the heires of his bodye for ever as follow"1 viz.:— Imprimis in the Hall all manfi of things as theye stande viz.: wainscott portall Tables glasse, & other good vallewed at the makingehereof ...... xls. Item in the greate ploure all the wainskott; portall, longe settle, longe table and frame sixe stooles couyd w411 grene, the longe blew carpett two high cheires, a little table w*11 a frame wth a peire of Virginalls* upon yt two candle plats the pictures, painted clothes, curteins for windows and the glasse vallued at ...... ixZi. xiijs. iiijd. Itm in the ploure the wainskott and portall, a longe settle, a long table wth a frame the grene hangings and the glasse ...... xxxjs. \jd. Itm in my stooddy a little table w*h a frame a cheire ; thre shelves and the glasse at ...... vs. Itm in the dyning chamber a longe table wth a fframe a longe forme, a liuye table w01 the frame a cubborde; a portall; the hangings rounde about, the pictures, the glasse, the portall towards the gallyrie; the glasse and the grene hangings in the gallyrie vallued at ...... vli. vjs. viijd. Itm in the Chappie Chamber all hangings aboute, the glasse, a bedsteade, a mattresse, a bolster, a fetherbed; two pillowes ; a blaukett, a counterpane, a liuy cubbord, a little stoole couvyd w*11 redd clothe, a little greene carpett ...... iiijZi. xs. Itm in the farder Chappie Chamber a bedstede a mattres; a fetherbed; a bolster; two pillowes, a blankett, a counterpane, the hangings aboute, a lyttle liuy table and the glasse at ... iiijJi. xijs. Itm in the post chamber a bedsteade, a mattres, a fetherbed, a bolster, one pillow, a blankett, a cover- inge, the glasse & all the glasse in the longe gallyrie at ...... Ls. Itm in the yeollow chamber a bedsteade, a mattris, a fetherbed, two pillowes, a bolster, one blankett, a counterpane, the grene curtens, all the hangings

* In 1581 " a payer of Virginalls "—the precursor of the " Square " pianoforte— belonging to a Newcastle Merchant was valued at 13s. 4d. Shortly before the above Inventory was made a Virginal maker resided in Leicester: his name was Andrew Marsam; he paid 10s. for his freedom in the year 1579. 266 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. aboute; a portall: the curtains for the windowe, a liuy cubborde & the glasse at ...... vjZi. viijg. 4<2. Itm in the grene ploure one bedsteade, one mattres, a fetherbed; a bolster, two pillowes, a pere of blanketts, & a coveringe at ...... xlvja.viijd. Itm in the grete chamber where I was wonte to lye the painted clothes aboute, the glasse in that chamber, two grete chests one fetherbed, one lyttle Rounde table and all the glasse aboute the house at ... iiijli. x«. Itm in the harneys chamber all the harnes for a lighte horse, and for a launce w'h a case of pistolls and a ffowlinge peece at ...... \jli. ija. Itm in the buttry one table, two shelves, wth the settles kymnells, hogghedds, tounells, jacks, bottles and other necessarie things ...... xxxiijg. iiijrf. Itm in the pantry a table shelfs a cheste a binge for bredd and other things att ...... viijs. vjd. Itm scerten vessell viz : nyne platters, tenne disshes ; foure poringers, five sawcers, tenne trencher plates, one cullender, a grete charger, a chamber pott, two candlesticks of lattyn ; two pewter candlesticks, and one bason and an Ewer at ...... xxxvjs. \jd. Itm all manner of things in the brewing house viz.: the leade ; brewinge vessells & all other odd things as they stande at ...... vZi. Itm all ffyshinge netts and haye netts ...... xls. Itm in the Nurserie a bedsteade ...... iiijs. Itm in the kytchin two brass potts, the greate drip- pinge panne the fire tongs a fyre shovell, the Range; the Racks; the Iron before the pann wtt the Iron bearers & longe Irone barre in the chimney at ...... iiijZi. Itm foure spitts one of cache sorte, one pere of pott hooks, two grydirons, one myncinge knife, a morter & a pestell of Lattin at ...... xs. Itm in the Deyrie two brasse panns, a bigger & a lesser, tubbs, payles, a leade, & all other things as they stande ...... Ls. Itm in the boltinge house all things as they stande ... vjs. viijcell gilte one toane of silver pcell gilte and halfe a dossen of silver spones w01 knobbes ...... xiijii. xs. Itm certen lynnen in the Lynnen Chest viz.: two pere of flaxen sheets; one pere of them are of three leaved sheets, and ffoure peire of midlings sheets and sixe pillow beares two of them of the finest sorte and thother foure of mydlinge sorte vallued at ...... iijZi. Som tot1 ... cxij/i. Red signed sealed & deliveryd in the price of O John Roe. vs whoes names are here under wrytten viz.: Roger Chantler. John Peerce. Henrye Segrave. WillmAv Wayte. Robte Gonson. his m'ke teste. his mrke test." The seal is an impression, upon the paper doubled over a wafer, of the Pate's crest—a stag's head with a raven reguardant with wings displayed standing between the antlers. We learn from Burton, who published his Description of Leices­ tershire in 1622, that at the time the above Inventory was taken, a chapel (I presume " the chappie " mentioned above) was standing at Kettleby. He enumerates several coats of arms as then existing in stained glass, in the windows. This glass was traditionally be­ lieved to have been brought from the Hospital at Burton Lazars— another hamlet belonging to Melton—when that edifice was destroyed. By the Inventory, we know that water-mills and a wind-mill then stood in the lordship, and that the house occupied by Mr. Pate was a large manorial mansion, handsomely and fully furnished in the style then usual with country gentlemen. His study, his vir­ ginals, his pictures, all point to a man of taste and culture; and the contents of his harness-room shows he was quite prepared to furnish his contingent to the defence of his country when called upon to do so. The Inventory is dated 27 March, 1594. Edward Pate, accord­ ing to the pedigree in Nichols, made his will and died about three years afterwards—in April 1597, his eldest son, Henry Pate, being then 40 years of age. His grandson Edward, the grantee under the Inventory, married Ann, daughter of Sir Wm. Skipworth, of Cotes, Leicestershire, but dying without issue, the goods indicated 268 THE LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. .§&a.9 HH ««-i **« o o, e-S i

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2. 2. Quarterly Quarterly THE SUMMER MEETING. 271 I am much indebted to a Member of our Society, John Fetherston, Esq., F.S.A.., for transcribing the pedigree also appended, of Smith and Pate, from the original MS. in the Heralds' College. This pedigree was drawn up, as will be seen, in the year 1681, by direc­ tion of Dame Abigail Smith, the donor of the Sysonby Flagon. At the close of the Paper the REV. CANON POWNALL, F.S.A. said the subject was entirely new to him, and he could therefore only speak of it in a very general way. He had long had the pleasure of knowing Mr. North, and he knew well how he had worked for the benefit of this Society. Although they had not Mr. North's presence, they were all very much indebted to him for having contributed a Paper to that meeting, and having thus given himself to them as far as he could do so. Papers of that kind seldom attracted the notice that their importance really deserved. Their importance at the moment of their delivery was perhaps not very great, but when they considered what a very important volume a County History was—of how great a value in the estimation of the public were their County Histories; and when it was recol­ lected that every such Paper as that which had been read was a contribution to the future history of the county, he was sure their opinion of the importance of such Papers would be raised, and their sense of obligation to Mr. North would be increased. He (Mr. Pownall) saw, a little time ago, in a Leicester newspaper, a proposal made that there should be a reissue of their very valuable History of Leicestershire. Some of them were aware of the costliness of the work of Nichols, and many private indivduals on that account were prevented from obtaining a copy of it. Whether the project which was suggested in the letter, that there should be a reissue of Nichols' History, edited by some careful editor, was possible, it was not for him to give an opinion; but whoever undertook that task would have a difficult duty to perform; because, valuable as the book of Nichols was, any future historian who rose up amongst them with the view of re-editing it, would have a vast amount of work to do ; seeing that since the day of Nichols a large quantity of information bad been acquired by the laborious researches of such gentlemen as Mr. North. Whenever that time came, such Papers as they had just heard read would have an admitted value, and be thoroughly appreciated by the future historians of the county. • ME. JAMES THOMPSON said he had only heard the Paper imper­ fectly, owing to the noise of passing vehicles, but what he had heard satisfied him, as Mr. Pownall had said, that the Paper was a contribution to our County History. It was so in more ways than one. They had, in the particulars contained in the Paper, an idea afforded them of what the interior of a country gentleman's house was towards the close of the reign of Queen Elizabeth. He 272 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. found that the Inventory of the manor house at Kettleby contained those things which would be found in the house of a Leicestershire' squire at the date he had mentioned. The Inventory in that way was very illustrative, not only of the condition, but of the customs of the people then living. The different rooms were stated, and the furniture contained therein. On referring to the details they appeared to be very interesting. The virginal was mentioned, being a stringed instrument with which this gentleman amused himself in his leisure hours. A gallery was also mentioned where music was performed, which carried one back in thought to the time when in nearly every large dining room there was a place where the musicians used to play while the family entertained their guests at dinner. There was a minstrels' gallery in that hall at the opposite end to where he stood, and he had seen other places where the same arrangement was made. This recalled the time when the master and his relatives sat at the dais, while the servants and retainers sat below at the tables carried along the whole length of the dining room, and the musicians were at the end. This was a bygone usage, but he doubted not that in its day it conduced much to the cheerful mirth, merriment, and excitement of the day. He did not know that the Paper called for any other remark from him at that time ; but it had occurred to him to ask whether any one could describe the virginal—whether it was the predecessor of the piano, or something of the violin character ? Perhaps some gentleman would give them a description of the virginal. ME. A. H. PAGET said the virginal was a small stringed instru­ ment, usually about three or four feet long, and two or three feet wide. It was placed on the table and played with a key-board. The range was quite small, being only a few octaves, and the keys were usually very small too. There were white keys, representing sharps and flats, as in the piano; though the mechanism was much simpler. There were no hammers, and therefore no continuity or softness of sound as in the piano. At the South Kensington Museum there were several of these virginals, one inlaid with stones. They were used in this country in the sixteenth century, and on into the seventeenth century. They were made in France and Italy. MB. KELLY said it might be interesting to know that there had been a virginal maker among the freemen of Leicester. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth, a certain individual, whose name he did not then recollect, was admitted to the freedom of this Borough as a "virginal maker." REV. E. TOWER exhibited a small stone mortar, lent by Rev. J. Sankey, of Stoney Stanton, which was believed to be very ancient. He had a similar vessel presented him by a farmer, which was formerly used as a font at Snareston chapel, and which he now used for the same purpose at Elmsthorpe Church. NOTES ON S. MARTIN'S CHURCH. 273 CAPTAIN WHITBY produced a series of bugles as used in the Leicestershire Militia in 1785, another in 1832, and the one at present in use; also the cat-o-nine-tails, used as late as 1815, and the old colours of the regiment, embroidered by the late Miss Linwood, in 1832. The same gentleman exhibited a tile sent by Kev. A. S. Butler, which was found under the floor of Markfield Church when repaired. ME. THOMPSON said there were many specimens of the kind of mortar shown by Mr. Tower; they were used in villages and out of the way places which had not wind or water mills to grind corn. The tile was one of the encaustic tiles commonly used in paving ancient churches. They were much indebted to Captain Whitby for laying before them the instruments and colours of the Militia, and he begged to propose a vote of thanks to him. The vote of thanks was seconded by KEV. A. POWNALL, F.S.A., and carried; and being briefly acknowledged, terminated the proceedings of the meeting. The ladies and gentlemen assembled then proceeded to visit the five ancient churches in the town, namely—S. Martin's, S. Mary's, S. Nicolas', All Saints', and S. Margaret's. Upon arriving at S. Martin's Church, MR. THOMAS NEVINSON read the following short Paper which had been prepared by Mr. North. NOTES ON S. MARTIN'S CHURCH. In consequence of large portions of this Church having been rebuilt during the past thirty years, there is now little in the structure itself to interest the ecclesiastical antiquary. During the excavations made for the foundations of the present tower, considerable portions of walls and columns, and fragments of vessels and coins were found, clearly proving that a building of some magnitude stood on the site of the present Church during the Roman occupation of this country. Whether a Christian Saxon Church stood here is uncertain, but abundant proof has been forthcoming in the structure itself, to show that soon after the Norman conquest an edifice in the Norman style of architecture was erected here. The lower portion of the tower taken down in 1861 was in that style. The only fragment, however, now re­ maining, so far as can be ascertained of this Norman Church, is a portion of a Norman string, showing the peculiar ornament known as the billet, which can still be seen at the eastern end of the north arcade of the nave on the northern side. Without attempting an architectural description of the Church, which can be better done by some one on the spot, one or two striking features may be pointed out. The most attractive external feature to the antiquary, is the very curious timber porch on the 274 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. north side of the Church. It should be mentioned that there was formerly a chamber over this porch as is shown by this entry in the churchwardens' accounts for the years 1570-1: "Paydunto Mr. Herycke for plaster yt mended the northe Churche porche, and the Chamber over it, ijs. iiijd." Of the former existence of this Chamber I can find no trace, perhaps some one present will be able to do so. There was until recently a porch over the south door also. The churchwardens say in 1599-1600: " Item paid to Henry Halpenny for slates and workmanship aboute the ij porches xvjs. iiijd." This porch might be restored with much advantage to the Church. The single internal feature, to which I would call attention, is the easternmost window in the south wall of the present south aisle : the large size of that window, coupled with some archi­ tectural features, which will doubtless be pointed out to you, appear to point to a transeptal arrangement of the Church at some past period. Perhaps Mr. Bloxam and other competent judges will give an opinion upon that surmise. If there is not much in the structure itself to interest the antiquary, there are not wanting associations between it and mediaeval times, and with customs now obsolete and well-nigh forgotten, which upon an occasion of this kind, might not inap­ propriately have been referred to; but, inasmuch as these have been brought before the members of this Society, and most of those present in a " Chronicle " of this Church published a few years ago, it may suffice now to point out the uses to which various portions of the structure were assigned in Pre-Reformation times. Standing at the western end of the Church, the portion directly in front of the visitor—that is the nave and the Chancel—was used for the ordinary services of the Church. The one portion being divided from the other by a screen and rood-loft, spanning the easternmost tower arch : the entrance to the steps to the latter can still be traced. Bringing the eye from the chancel and looking at the western end of the great south-aisle, it rests upon what was once the Chapel of the Guild of S. George—the Patron Saint of England. There stood, in medieval times, not only an altar dedicated to that saint, with all its accessories, but a figure of the saint himself " harnassed in the Church splendour of the times." " The riding of the George," as it was termed, was one of the chief holidays of the year, and one respecting which the mayor and his brethren made sundry and strict regulations. Following the course of the beautiful series of columns, dividing the two south aisles, the eye reaches the end of the great south aisle, which was formerly the Chapel of our Lady, and which was occupied by the Chaplains of the Guild of Corpus Christi; NOTES ON ST. MAETIN'S CHURCH. 275 that Guild in whose ancient hall our meetings are this day held. Here will be found the sedilia for priest, deacon, and subdeacon; an ambery, and most probably under the plaster, a piscina could be discovered. That this was an altar served by the Guild of Corpus Christi, is shown by various entries in the rolls of the Guild: that for 1525-6 includes charges for " washyng off the awter clothes and othr the ornyments about the awter in our lade chappell. . . ffor waxe spent at or ladise awter " &c. Leaving this Chapel and turning the eye to the eastern end of the first or smaller south aisle, it rests upon what was most prob­ ably the Chapel of S. Dunstan, and where an altar dedicated to that well known English saint stood. The only reference to this altar in the records of the Church refers to its destruction in 1549- 50: "Itmrec. fora selling (ceiling) ov' sent dunstones alt'sold to Mr. Cort xvjd." This Chapel has been entirely rebuilt, unfortunately without due regard to the architectural features of the ancient structure. Looking to the corresponding chapel at the end of the north aisle of the Church—that portion now known as Heyrick's Chancel —the eye rests on the spot where formerly stood an altar dedicated to S. Catharine. Near to this spot was uncovered, during the works carried on some years ago, a fine mural painting of that saint, which justifies the assigning of this position for her altar, which altar is referred to in the records of the Church. In addition to these three minor altars, there was yet another dedicated to the Holy Eood, but of its position there is no trace : that it was of considerable reputation there can be no doubt, in­ asmuch, as the Church itself was not unfrequently called Saint Cross, and the Street now £nown as Town Hall Lane, on the north side of the Church, was known as Holy Eood Lane. It appears from contemporary evidence that a large Cross or Kood stood in this Chapel, at the foot of which offerings were wont to be made. Mention of the Chapel is found in the records of the Church, and the following entry in the churchwardens' accounts for 1568-9, points to its final destruction : " Payd to Bodeley for Carryinge ye stones and Eamell away where ye Crosse stoode viijd." At the conclusion of this Paper MB. T. NEVINSON remarked that a great portion of the original church had been destroyed. Most of the columns had been inserted and the whole of those of the north arcade were new. The arches on the north side of the great south aisle were old, and probably were erected about 1280 shortly after the arches of the nave. The roof of this aisle with the curious figures in oak supporting the principal ribs, was to be noticed, though only a reproduction of the old one. The tracery in the windows had nearly all disappeared. The tower arches were originally very low and in the Norman style, but had wisely been raised at the time of the restoration, instead of the low Norman 276 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. arches being restored, giving a fine view from east to west of the Church. Mr. Nevinson then pointed out two windows with the old tracery of the Perpendicular style of the fifteenth century, and other features of the church. He also showed the visitors the only pieces of original woodwork in the building, and a few en­ caustic tiles. He remarked that the chancel had been entirely rebuilt by Messrs. Brandon, the architects, one of whom died while the work was going on, and his brother put down the monu­ mental brass in the chancel to his memory. S. MARY'S. MR. T. NEVINSON said this church was more interesting than the one they had just left. It was a thorough puzzle to unravel its history, but by dint of perseverance they could ascertain the dates of its various portions. The earliest part of the church appeared to have been built in 1107, by the then Earl of Leicester. It at that time consisted of a long narrow nave, with narrow aisles, and a chancel. Parts of this church were still remaining, as pointed out by him in the small arcade against the west wall of the inside of the nave and two small windows forming the cleres­ tory of the church of that period, and also the arcade on the south side of the wall on the south side of the nave. This last arcade was formerly external and above the roof of the south aisle. The roof of this church rested near where the Early English clerestory has been added. The nave was probably divided from the aisles by six narrow Norman arches with three clerestory lights above. The first change effected in the church was the adding of an Early English clerestory above the Norman one. Shortly afterwards the Early English arches were formed in" the wall in place of the .Norman. The roofs, with the exception of the chancel, which was Early English, were Perpendicular; and they had there all the original roofs, with the exception of the North aisle, and S. Anne's Chapel. The South aisle to which he particularly called attention for its grand proportions, being above thirty feet in width and of good height (though lowered at the time the present Perpendicular roof was put on in the beginning of the fifteenth century); was erected somewhere in the latter half of the thirteenth century. At the time the Perpendicular roof of this aisle was added, it was made to include the Early English clerestory of the nave as well as of course what was once the Norman clerestory below it. The Perpendicular clerestory on the south side was then also added. The South aisle was originally used as the Parochial church, the nave and present chancel forming the Collegiate church. The priests who officiated in the Parochial church were at first ap­ pointed by the Bishop of Lincoln, but in 1400 the Bishop resigned his right to the Abbot, who had before the presentation to the Collegiate church. In consequence of this change, and the services NOTES ON S. NICOLAS1 CHUKCH. 277 in the two churches having become blended, the Perpendicular arches between what were then two chancels were pierced through the walls so as to bring them more together. In the south wall is a doorway and staircase which led to a rood loft formerly crossing what was then the Parochial church, and Mr. T. Nevinson pointed out the spots where under the floor were discovered during the restorations and which still remain, the base of this screen, and the remains of two altars on its western side, which stood on either side of what was then the entrance to the chancel of the Parochial church. He also showed a piscina in the south wall near one of such altars. On the north side of the same aisle another archway exists giving access to a rood loft formerly exist­ ing across the present chancel. The present chancel was erected in the latter half of the twelfth century, probably shortly after this church had suffered the fate of most of those in the town which, together with the town were nearly destroyed by Richard de Lucy, Justiciary of Henry the Second, in consequence of the part the Earl of Leicester had taken against the King. There were two fine specimens of sedilia in the church, the earlier being late Norman and which were situated in the present chancel and exceedingly rich, and the others in the Early English style in the south aisle. By the side of the former there is a very early Norman piscina of the horse shoe form, probably belonging to the church of 1107, and by the side of the Early English sedilia is a piscina of the thirteenth century. The Early English sedilia are earlier than the aisle in which they are situate. The position of the tower was peculiar, it stood within the south aisle at the west end, but only attached to it on its western side. The screen on the south side of the chancel was a good specimen of woodwork of the fifteenth century. The font was Early English, and of good design. A few encaustic tiles found beneath the floor were laid in close proximity to it. S. NICOLAS. MK. T. NEVINSON remarked that this was a very old and interesting church, and that a large quantity of Roman bricks were used in its construction. The tower, of early Norman work, in the inside of which an arcade runs around, was very rich in its outside decorations, but they had been concealed in great part by modern brickwork. On the jamb of the entrance door he pointed out a Consecration Cross. The wall on the north side of the nave in that part where the two Norman clerestory windows are situated, was most probably of Saxon work, as these windows had been partly cut away when the Norman arches below them were pierced through the wall; at any rate it must be very early, as the arches above referred to are Early Norman work. The north aisle, north transept, and north chapel were destroyed in 1680, the south aisle 278 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. having disappeared when the present Geometric aisle was built about the year 1280. It would be noticed that this church, like 3. Martin's and S. Mary's, had a large south aisle added to the original structure, and in this instance the original south aisle as at a. Mary's had been destroyed when the addition was made, while at S. Martin's the original south aisle was retained and the new south aisle added to it. The arrangement at S. Martin's was preferable as affording a far finer effect in the interior. The roof of the nave was Perpendicular. The arcade with its clustered column, in the Early English style with detached shafts on the south side of the chancel was much to be admired. It was pro­ posed to rebuild the north aisle and north transept as soon as funds were forthcoming, which were greatly needed for this purpose and to clear off the debt on what had already been done. Other architectural features in the building were explained by Mr. T. Nevinson. The church Mr. T. Nevinson stated had just been restored in the inside as far as the funds would permit, by Messrs. Ordish and Traylen, in a manner he thought all archaeologists would be pleased .with. ALL SAINTS. MR. T. NEVINSON said this church, like S. Martin's, told its own tale. It was Geometric, probably built about the year 1280, and of very good proportions. He was pleased to say it was in the hands of Messrs. Goddard and Paget for restoration, and he believed the work would be carefully and judiciously carried out by them. He first drew attention to the very interesting Norman western door of the Church, the only Norman work in tide fabric. The respond behind the pulpit and the corresponding one at the west end of the church were Early English, showing that the arcade had been rebuilt. The roofs of the two aisles were a good type of the Perpendicular period. The nave roof would shortly have the plaster ceiling removed, and made to assimilate with the side aisles. Mr. T. Nevinson proceeded to remark that the font was a very good specimen of Early English work, near which were some encaustic tiles. The tower is on the north side of the north aisle, but from appearances on one side of the chancel arch it seems that at one time there was a central tower, or at least that it was intended that the church should have had one. The north aisle appears to have been divided by screens running across it. The chancel was quite modern. A very singular and ancient church chest was pointed out by Mr. T. Nevinson, who expressed a hope it would not be destroyed, or turned out of the church during the restorations. Mr. T. Nevinson drew attention to the semi-round earlier"!68 On £"**¥" °f the tower' which S™ &* tower an out that^theTtri *han he th°,Uffht ft POBaesBedTand he pointed out mat the strmg courses of the tower are broken down and NOTES ON S. MARGARET'S CHURCH. 279 carried into those at the east end gf the south aisle which corrobo­ rated this view. The oldest bell in the town was to be found in this church, being of the pre-Keformation period, the bell bearing the inscription of " Ave Maria" in Lombardic characters.

S. MARGARET'S. MR. T. NEVINSON remarked that this church was a grand and imposing building, and the finest proportioned in the town. The nave and aisles were pretty well uniform as 'regarded date, being principally of the Geometric period, though the arcade on the south side of the nave was rather earlier. The oldest part of the church was the eastern bay of the nave, which was of the Transition period, from Norman to Early English about the date 1175. He considered that the nave and aisles with the exception of the eastern bay had been erected continuously but slowly, which would account for the rather earlier character of the south aisle supposing the work commenced in that part of the building. The chancel was Perpendierular, as likewise was the tower, the latter being built about 1443. The Bishop of Lincoln in that year issued a commission to collect money for the purpose of building this tower. What this church wanted to make it really imposing were good open timber roofs in lieu of the present flat plaster ceilings. The trefoil windows over the chancel arch were Early English, and from their position were peculiar. They formerly opened over the roof of a former chancel of less height than the present. The chancel was of large dimensions and contained two good niches on the east wall at the sides of the window. The recumbent effigy on the north side of the chancel was to Bishop Penny, Abbot of the Monastery of S. Mary de Pratis, near the town. (Mr. Thompson said that Bishop Penny was one of the last of the Abbots of the Monastery, and the founder of a school in the town). He built the brick wall surrounding part of the garden of the Abbey still remaining. Mr. Nevinson also pointed out the " squint" from the vestry to the chancel, and some very early iron work on the north door of the church. At 2.30 a Luncheon was provided at the Wellington Hotel; after partaking of which Wyggeston's Hospital, the Jewry Wall, the Castle, and Trinity Hospital were visited, and their chief points of interest discoursed upon by Mr. James Thompson and Major Bellairs.

THE EVENING MEETING was held in the Guild Hall: the Mayor took the chair at eight o'clock, and at once called upon MR. JAMES THOMPSON to read his Paper entitled v VOL. IV. 280 LEICESTERSHIRE ABCHITECTUEAL SOCIETY.

THE ROLLS OF THE MAYORS OF LEICESTER, which that gentleman proceeded to do as follows: AT the time of the Norman Conquest this town was occupied by a population numbering fewer probably than three thousand. When the Conqueror besieged it, two years after the battle of Hastings, there were not more than three hundred and fifty houses in the place. If as many as ten persons formed each household, there would be three thousand five hundred inhabitants; if five persons formed each household, then there would be seventeen hundred and fifty persons here dwelling: but as it is likely there would not be so many as ten in each house, and probably more than five, it may be concluded the population was about two thousand five hundred. In this respect Leicester was only a village. But in other respects it was far different. It was not a mere collection of scattered dwellings, whose tenants were united by no political tie: it was a walled town, whose indwellers constituted an organized society—a municipal community. The defences ha'd been erected by the Romans, of that kind of masonry which is still exemplified in the venerable fragment known as the Jewry Wall; that was, in fact, then the western gateway. The mural boundaries were massive, high, and complete; rendering the townspeople secure against attack from marauders or a more formidable enemy without. Their confederacy within the walls enabled them to present an. unbroken phalanx in opposition to any invader or assailant who sought to enter their borders or overthrow their power. This confederacy was called " the Guild "—the Merchants' Guild or Chapman's Guild. As the derivation of the word suggested, the institution was of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was composed of in­ dividuals who, on their admission, bound themselves to be faithful to the body, and obedient to its officers—who paid a certain sum as an entrance fee—and who were called on to contribute, according to their respective means, to the public necessities—and as nearly all enjoying pasturage rights, kept a cow, they paid a certain sum pro tauro (as the Latin phrase expresses it). Each member of the Guild was obliged to find two securities for his good behaviour and the fulfilment of his obligations. No one but a member of the Guild was eligible to fill any public office, that is, to be at its head, or to be on its council. There was doubtless a class below that of the Guild, unprivileged and untaxed, and ineligible for public office. The Guild itself, however, was the germ which has by successive developments become the Town Council and burgesses of to-day, and its members were the legal predecessors of the "freemen" of more modern times. I have spoken of the Council of the Guild. Now it appears this consisted of twenty-four persons, who were elected by the THE,ROLLS OF THE MAYOES OF LEICESTER. 281 whole body, and very probably chosen yearly, with another who was at their head, called the Alderman or Older Man—seniority either of years or of office being always regarded as the prime qualification for public functions by our Anglo-Saxon forefathers. The institution of the Guild was in operation in the time of William the Conqueror, as we learn from a charter granted by Robert, Earl of Mellent, to his merchants of Leicester, in the time of Henry the First; and had been long before, as we may fairly infer from the fact of its recognized existence in the reign of the Conqueror. It is therefore one of the most ancient—if not the most ancient—of our local institutions, and indicates the existence of self-government in this locality for at least a thousand years. Its proceedings were temporarily interrupted when the Conqueror captured the place, and killed its defenders, and destroyed their dwellings, in the year 1068; but before the close of his reign the surviving inhabitants had returned and resumed their occupations and avocations, and the town was thus again populated. For a hundred years after, the inhabitants remained undisturbed; but once more, in the year 1175, the descendants of the Saxons, who had felt all the miseries and sustained the injuries of Norman cruelty and oppression, were dragged into the midst of them—the Lord of Leicester, Robert with the White Hands, having taken part with the rebellious sons of Henry the Second against their father, at the instigation of Queen Eleanor. Once more, in consequence, the townspeople were robbed and plundered and slain, and expelled from hearth and home, by the royal soldiery under Richard de Lucy, and the place lay abandoned and desolate for fifteen years. At the close of the twelfth century, when Richard Coeur de Lion and King John ruled in England, the town was once more resusci­ tated. Then people sought once again the shelter of its walls, and were tempted thereto probably by the promises of liberties, im­ munities, and privileges, made to them by the earl who resided in the castle—Robert Fitzparnel. The records of the Guild begin with this revival, and in them we meet for the first time with the mention of an Alderman. In the year 1209 William Fitz-Leviric is styled the "Alderman of the Guild," and his name reappears in that capacity in 1214. On subsequent occasions Simon Curlevache and John Fitz-Warren were jointly Aldermen of the Guild. In the eighteenth year of Henry the Third, it is distinctly recorded that William of St. Lo was elected an Alderman to act in conjunction with Simon Curlevache. In the year 1251 the term "Alderman," as a designation of the chief officer in the borough was finally disused, and, instead, the word "Mayor" was employed. From this application of the word we learn that it was synony­ mous with "Alderman." It was of French origin, having been introduced into this country from the other side of the Channel in the reign of King John, when the "Barons" of the metropolis 282 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. were by his charter empowered every year to choose from among themselves a " Mayor." It had been known in France (as we learn from the Lettres sur I'Histoire de France, by Augustin Thierry) more than a hundred years before; a clause in the charter of Beauvais, dating in the year 1100 or 1102, having this passage directly referring to the matter:—" Thirteen peers shall be elected by the Commune, from whom, after the vote of other peers and of all those who shall have been sworn to the Commune, one or two shall be created Mayors (MajeursJ," Literally, the word means major, "the greater," there being often two Aldermen appointed, of whom the senior was the Major or Mayor—on the same prin­ ciple, perhaps, that even now a Mayor, and a Deputy Mayor are chosen. But after the date when the chief officer in Leicester was called Mayor, only one person was named on the list. Thirty-five years after the adoption of the title in London, it became " natu­ ralized " in this town, and has been ever since retained. To keep a record of the name of these functionaries would appear to be an appropriate proceeding, in order that due honour might be paid to them, and that events dating in their respective years of office might be duly assigned in public documents. There are three lists of the names of the Mayors of Leicester which have come under my notice. One is preserved among the Archives of the Borough. It furnished the basis of the list which appears in the History of Leicester, published by me in the year 1849. It would appear to have been either originally compiled or continued in the year 1686 by an anonymous author. A second was forwarded to me by a friendly hand, still unknown to me. It commences with the year 1233. A third has been kindly lent to me by Wm. Perry- Herrick, Esq., of Beau Manor Park, and it is the most interesting of the three : in fact, the receipt of it, lately, led me to prepare this Paper to lay before you this evening. I call the three docu­ ments respectively, for the sake of distinction, the Town Roll, the Private List, and the Herrick Roll. The last-named is the best written and most carefully got up, in point of penmanship, of the set. It is thus endorsed at the back of the uppermost part of the first skin: " 1574 " THOMAS HALLAM. " Oethe [owneth] this role wiche was written the iiijth day of January in the yeare of o'r Lorde a thousand v hundreth seventye iiij and the xviit year of the Reigne of o'r Soveraine Lady Qvene Elizabeth." At the commencement of the roll is inserted a list of the Kings of England, with a statement of the length of each reign; con­ cluding with Elizabeth, who, says the compiler, " bathe reigned and doth nowe write xvii years, wiche is now the yeare of o'r Lord 1574 THE RPIXS OF THE MAYORS OF LEICESTER. 288 when this was written, whose reign the Lord long continewe in health, welth, and myche felicitie." With a large flourishing initial T the roll commences—"The names of the Maiores of Leicester that hathe bene synce the yeare of our Lord 1266." It begins some years later than the Town Roll and the Private List. Before entering upon the details of each, however, let me refer to the nature of the Mayor's position and authority. As far as may be ascertained, they appear at the early date under notice to have been these:—The Mayor (like the Alderman before him) was the chief officer of the borough. He was the representative of the sovereign, and, like the Sheriff or Shire-reeve of the county, was the person bound to see the sentences of the law carried out and legal processes enforced. At the same time he was the head of the Merchants' Guild, over all the meetings of which he presided. He was also, in case of need, the captain of the armed men who manned the walls and defended the gates of the town; carrying his mace, not as a mere ornamental symbol of authority, but as a formidable weapon, by means of which he could break the helmet or smash the armour of an opponent, as one would crack the shell of a lobster with a hammer. He was doubtless selected because he was a man possessing personal courage and bodily strength, with intelligence and force of character. It is very probable he was chosen in an open meeting of the Guildsmen, held in their old hall, once standing near the church of S. Nicholas; and in the mind's eye one sees the ancient apartment, open to the roof, the burgesses in their rough tunics of woollen cloth seated on wooden benches, and discussing in the vernacular the merits of the men named for the Mayoralty. Not coveting the post—for it was not honorary, but involved serious and dangerous duty—the eligible men would prefer to be passed over in the selection. There were few men who possessed the requisite qualifications for the office, and hence the same person of necessity was frequently re-elected more than once—sometimes several years in succession. As soon as he was appointed, he took an oath to fulfil all the duties of his office—to do justice to rich and poor alike, and so forth. He was obliged to present himself to the earl, seated in the hall of the castle, or to his deputy, for his approval; the earl having a veto on the appointment—this being an innovation brought into existence probably after the Norman Conquest. The day of election was the day of S. Martin (Nov. 10), and the day after, the presentation to the earl took place. The term of the Mayoralty dated from the 10th of November in one year to the same day in the year following. At the period when these early elections of Mayors took place, the distinction between Norman and Saxon—between the men descended from the Conquerors and the men descended from the subjugated people—was generally insisted on ; as appears from the 284 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. names borne by the chief officers. Thus, we meet with the names of William Fitz Levivic, William of St. Lo, Simon Curlevache, Peter Fitz Roger, Henry de Eoddington, Alexander Debonair, Thomas Gumfrey, Geoffrey Mauclerk, and others—all of which indicate the Norman origin of their possessors. The "Fitz" was the Norman word signifying " son of." Hence, William Fitz Leviric meant the son of Leviric or Leofric, Peter Fitz Roger meant Peter the son of Roger or Rogerson. William of St. Lo, commonly known as William of Senlo, had either come from a place of that name in Normandy, or his forefathers had, and he retained the appellative. " Curlevache " is apparently Norman- French ; though its meaning now eludes discovery. " Debonair," in allusion to the gay and genial character of its first possessor, is traceable to the same language; as is " Mauclerk," which, I think, literally means, " Bad scholar." Henry de Roddington was, perhaps, a younger member of a Norman family owning landed property at a place so called. " Gumfrey " is a Gallicised form of a Teutonic prenomen. Akin in race to the Norman barons dwell­ ing in the castle, the Mayors and principal men of the Guild were more likely to do their bidding, and maintain their authority, than if of English descent. They also spoke French, and could therefore converse with the earls, while the mass of the towns­ people spoke English only. It may be inferred, then, the Mayor and Members of the Guild Council constituted a town aristocracy at this date—an aristocracy of race, language, and position. Returning to the Herrjpk Roll, it commences with the name of Henry Roddington, 1266, which is continued in 1267; while in 1268, Jordain Wardestone's name occurs. In the Private Roll, the first name (as Alderman) is that of William Feynlocum—a mis­ spelling for Seynlocum—the Latinized form of Senlo (St. Lo). This name is set opposite the years 1233 and 1234. Then comes Simon Curlevache, for the thirteen following years. In 1248,. Peter Fitz-Roger (the first who was designated Mayor) enters on the scene, and continued in the post nine years. Then, for one year (1257), Bartholomew of Dunstable held the Mayoralty. In 1258 he was succeeded by Henry of Roddington, who continued in office until the year 1269—a lease of twelve years. Alexander le Debonair (so known in contemporary documents) is by an error of the copyists of the rolls erroneously styled "Dalemar" and "Bond" in the Private. Roll, and "Boorne" in the Herrick Roll. In 1270 he entered on office, according to the former, and held it until 1275, when one Walter le Braye is named his successor. In 1269 and until 1273 Debonair, alais Boorne, was Mayor, according to the Herrick Roll. On the same authority, John Alsy took office in 1274, and William Leffe or Leefe in 1275, and until 1277; his term expiring, of course, in 1278. The Private Roll records William Leefe as Mayor in 1276, 1277, and 1288. Following THE EQLLS OF THE MAYORS OF LEICESTER. 285 Leefe came William L'Engleys, Engles, or English—whose name implies that among these men of Norman descent he was the first Englishman who was Mayor after the Conquest. He held office in five years between 1278 and 1301 inclusive. Thomas Gumfrey's name appears first in the list as Mayor in 1281, and again in nine years between 1282 and 1800 inclusive. Geoffrey Mauclerk was Mayor in 1285, and Adam Marlow in 1296. The name of John Alsy appears ten years between 1289 and 1335; authorizing the assumption that the father was followed by his son, of the same name, in the Mayoralty as sixty one years elapsed between the first entry of the name and the last. Lawrence Mellers was Mayor in 1291. Ralph Jonyk in 1295. Peter Omfrey, or Humphrey, in 1296, 1297, 1298, and 1299. I pause in the midst of this recital of dates and names to observe, that we have now arrived at a period when the borough, hitherto ignored in the transaction of national affairs, was called on through its representatives to take part in them. But it was not, as yet, those representatives were permitted to speak or to vote on great questions; they were simply present in the assembly of knights, citizens, and burgesses, as dumb figures, unless when called on to give informa­ tion as to what amount of taxes the inhabitants could afford to pay into the royal exchequer. Although by the influence of Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, an assembly of Parliament had been convoked, at which burgesses from boroughs were present, in the year 1264, it was not until the year 1294 that a representative was sent from Leicester—an oversight which, the inhabitants probably greatly appreciated; as compliance with the usages rendered necessary considerable expense, personal inconvenience to the townsman who was delegated to appear, and an inquisitorial process in connection with the affairs of all his neighbours. The expense was incurred in paying the wages of the unhappy burgess who reluctantly left his wife and family to travel on horsebackto London, York, or Oxford, or elsewhere, with the possibility of being way­ laid and robbed and maltreated, on his journey to those places; and the cost of the horse, and of the footboy who accompanied it, to attend to it and his master. On a comparison of the names of the Parliamentary burgesses with those of the Mayors, it appears that the same man who had occupied one office occasionally filled the other. One of these was a tavern keeper, and a payment for refreshments had at his house, on one occasion, on his return from Parliament, when he related what had taken place concerning the affairs of the community, shows the homely matter-of-fact nature of the whole proceeding of Parliamentary representation in its origin. Another of these early members was a mercer. It would weary the listener, were I to embarrass his memory with a mass of names and dates in connection with all the persons who filled the Mayoralty between the years 1300 and 1574, just 286 THE LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. three hundred years ago, when the Herrick Roll terminates. I must therefore epitomise the particulars, selecting only salient points for explanation and comment. The fourteenth century was an era of national prosperity, in which Leicester shared. In that age, the towns became rich, and there was a possibility for thrifty and enterprising men to succeed in trade and to accumulate property. The towns accordingly attracted from the rural districts the more industrious and energetic portion of the population. As serfs, they aspired to become freemen—as poor, they desired to become worth something—as active in intelligence, they craved for the social and political excitement which larger communities, comparatively free, afforded. Let them only be harboured for a year and a day in a borough, without being claimed by their feudal lords, and then they were emancipated from feudal thraldom. In this way, many men rose in the world from a position of slavery to civic independence. When they first entered the town, they became the servants of members of the Guild for a specified period, working for them in requital of their assistance in making them free, and being ultimately admitted into the Guild themselves. Such men had no other name than that given by the priest at the font on baptism—a mere personal appellation—that is, the Christian name, as John, William, Roger, Richard, Henry; the Christian names of the Kings being then, as now, very commonly given to male children. These alone might serve well enough in a family or hamlet: but when the bearers of them entered a town, the number of Johns, Williams, and so forth, became a source of confusion, unless a distinguishing name was added. It then became convenient to call a man by the name of the village or district he had lived in before settling in the borough; so he was designated Robert of Willoughby, John of Knightcote, William of Humberstone, Roger of Belgrave, Peter from Kent, William of the Lindridge, John of Norton, Robert of Stretton, and so forth. In some cases the surname is a corruption and abbreviation of the father's name added to the Christian name ; as John Alsy, which is John, the son of Alcitill. In other cases the man took his surname from the place where he dwelt; as John of the Wayuhouse or Waggon-house, where, it may be, the waggons used in the public service were kept. These appellations became applied not only to those originally identified by them, but eventually to their families and successors. It illustrates the operation of the influences already described upon our town life, when one glances at the names of the Mayors occurring on the list between 1300 and 1400. Although there are here one hundred years, there are not more than forty-one names; as English, Palmer, Willoughby, Cadge or Cage, Cellar, Alsy, Busley, Knightcote, Marrow, Waynhouse, Kent, Lindridge, Norton, Merlyn, Martin, Leviric or Leveridge, Warren, Clowne, Hayward, THE BO£LS OF THE MAYOES OF LEICESTER. 287 Goldsmith, Peatling, Dunstable, Cooke, Tubbe, Belgrave, Syston, Stafford, Beeby, Green, Clipston, Ferror, Taillard, Gamblestone, Braunstone, Humberstone, Clerk, Wakefield, Bayly, Houghton, Fisher, and Spenser. Of these, one (William Goldsmith) was a noted disciple of Wickliffe, and was excommunicated, having been buried in unconsecrated ground, in the open space in front of the Great Meeting, known once as " Goldsmith's Grave." Some of the names are still familiar in our ears, being borne by descendants of the original stock. Martin is one of those ; having been that of the ancestors of a family which lived at Steward's Hay and Ansty for many generations. In the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the chief magistracy passed into a larger number of hands than in the earlier epoch ; as the number of eligible candidates for it had evidently multiplied. It was not confided to one person twelve times; as it had been in earlier days. It rarely, indeed, was filled six years in succession by the same person. But descendants of old burgess families appear to have been invested with the Mayoralty in successive generations. Looking down the list, which is embraced between the years 1400 and 1500, it will be seen John Church was Mayor three times ; Ralph Humberston four times; Thomas Waldgrave three times; William Pacye twice; Adam Pacye twice; William Newby three times; William Hasty twice; and John Reynolds five times. Of this person it should be recorded he was one of the forgotten benefactors to this town; his liberality having assumed a very peculiar form, its purpose being even yet not quite clearly intelli­ gible. The copy of the deed by which he conveyed his gift to the town is still extant. In modern English it may be thus rendered : " This is to testify that John Reynold the elder, of Leicester, burgess, the 3rd day of May, in the first year of the reign of King Edward the Fourth, of benevolent and faithful heart, for the goodly zeal and effectual pleasure he had unto the honourable and worshipful office of the Mayoralty of the town of Leicester, the which was by him four different years ministered and occupied, gave and granted unto the Mayoralty aforesaid, perpetually, a tenement in the high street of Leicester, by the High Cross, there situated between the tenement of John Roberds on the south part, and the tenement of John Danet on the north part; as in deeds and certain muniments .thereof made, plainly appears : to have and to hold the said tenement, with the appurtenances, to the mayoralty of the town of Leicester perpetually, in manner and form on all and every condition, means, and rules, as the livelihood, lands, and tenements late of John Frisley, above specified, were given by the said John Frisley unto the office of the mayoralty of the town of Leicester aforesaid," Whether this property was conferred upon the Mayors of 288 THE LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Leicester as a residence during their years of office, on the same principle as the Mansion House in London is occupied; or whether the annual rent was taken by each Mayor in succession, in aid of his yearly stipend—I have not ascertained; but clearly the Mayors were to receive the benefit in one way or the other. Continuing the list of Mayors who were re-elected in the fifteenth century, the following present themselves for mention :— Thomas Charity served twice ; William Wymeswold twice; Thomas Green twice; and William Wigston four times; namely, in 1448, 1459, 1498, and 1499. This, it may be observed, is the first mention of the name of the greatest of our local benefactors upon the Rolls of the Mayors. Seeing that there is an interval of thirty-nine years between the second and third entries of the name, it would seem likely they are those of the father and his son. In addition there are the names of Roger Wigston in 1465, 1472, and 1487, and of John Wigston in 1469 and 1480; these being apparently brothers of William Wigston, junior. To proceed with the remainder of the list; Thomas Dalton, a contemporary of the Wigstons, was Mayor three times; Robert Shillingham twice; Robert Rowlatt twice; William Holbeach twice; Richard Gyllott twice ; John Parsons twice ; John Roberds twice; Robert Crofts twice (he was Mayor when Richard the Third passed through Leicester on his way to Bosworth Field); Thomas Swyke twice; Thomas Davye twice; and William Gybson twice. The reproduction of these names will familiarize the listener with facts which bring before him men who once bore sway in Leicester in a period of great excitement, when the wars of the Roses were in progress, and when the final struggle took place be­ tween the partizans of the Houses of York and Lancaster; that period which has been dramatized by the immortal genius of Shakspeare in his historical plays. Within thirty or forty years after the date last mentioned, that interesting epoch to which his­ torians have applied the term " mediaeval" had terminated; and with the Reformation a new age in politics and religion began, and the overthrow of feudalism was effected. When in the year 1531 the English clergy acknowledged the King's supremacy over the English Church, and abjured that of the Pope—the final rupture between Henry the Eighth and the Pope taking place in 1534— and when in 1538 the monasteries were all finally suppressed,—our forefathers bade an eternal farewell to priestly and political bondage, and a new era for the inhabitants of this island was inaugurated. This stage in history fitly forms a point at which to break off the present paper. Between the years 1530 and 1538 some few names turn up again and again on the Rolls of the Mayors : for example, those of Richard Reynolds, William Wigston, Thomas Burton, William Bolte, and Roger Gillott. THE ROLLS OF THE MAYORS OF LEICESTER. 289 In this long retrospective glance at local history, the growth of town families is illustrated by the reappearance of some few names, indicating their social stability and persistent maintenance of posi­ tion. There is that of the Fitz-Levirics, whose first representative known to civic fame was William, the Alderman of the Guild in 1209, whose last descendant, Richard, was Mayor in 1344—one hundred and thirty-five years afterwards. The name is still per­ petuated, I think, in the corrupted form Leveritt. The John Allsy of 1274 was probably represented by John Allsy in 1335. Simon Curlevache, who was one of the two Alderman in 1233, had a son or grandson, of whom it is recorded that in the year 1300, being in a demented and drunken condition, he walked to the river Soar, beyond the North-gate, near the street of the fullers, and there fell in, and was drowned. William Humberston, the Mayor in 1390, had a descendant who filled the civic chair in 1429. William Wigston, the founder of his family, had a descendant the celebrated man whose name is so honourably associated with our annals in the year 1520, as already stated. Dwelling in their commodious houses within the walls, with galleried courtyards in the interior, and garden-ground about them, these stalwart men of the middle ages lived in rude luxury, and kept up a bounteous hospitality. But no traces are left of their homes, once happy with the hum of domestic life and social intercourse. One such structure, of the later mediaeval period, the reign of Henry the Seventh, still stands in part, and it is said to have had its court, with gallery carried around. I allude to the house in which John Bunyan and John Wesley were once entertained as visitors, standing nearly opposite to S. Nicholas's Qhurch. Before concluding this notice of the Rolls of the Mayors, it may be appropriate to extract from them certain marginal notes which their compilers thought fit to append to them, as historical memoranda; though they are not very important or noteworthy, but show what kind of facts the compilers were interested in. In the Private List or Roll, in connection with the year 1233, this sentence appears (the phraseology and spelling being in this and in other cases modernized):— "In the year 1233 were seen five suns at one time together after which followed so great a dearth that the people were con­ strained to eat horse-flesh and bark of trees, and in London 20,000 died for want of food." In 1247 this item occurs :— " The town governed by Aldermen." On the Town Roll, under the date 1262 (mayoralty of Henry of Roddington), this entry is made :— " The Barons' wars: 500 Jews slain in London, because one would have more than 2d. for the use of 20s. for one week." On the Town List, under date 1272, it is recorded that— 290 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. " Edward the First began to reign Nov. 16;" But on the Town Roll, in the year 1273, these few words only appear :— " Nov. 16. 1st of Edward." Then follows, in a line with the year 1274, this entry:— " A lamb at Greenwich having two bodies and but one head." In connection with the year 1278 on the Private List it is recorded that— " Fardins and halfpence were first coined in England." On the Herrick Roll, under date 1282, these words are in­ serted :— " The great conduit in the axe builded." On the Private List in 1288 this statement is made:— " Wheat sold 3s. 3d. quarter in 1288." On the same list, under date 1307:— "Edward 2d. began to reign, July 7." On the Town Roll, under date 1314 :— " Wheat at four marks the quarter." On both the Town Roll and Private List the year 1326 is men­ tioned as the first of Edward the Third. In 1346 a rather lengthy memorandum is entered on the Private List, in connection with the Mayoralty of John Heward. It is this:— "King Edward the Third, with his son, Edward the Black Prince, entered Normandy with a large army, and both there and in Picardy took great many places from the French, and advanced in victory almost to Paris walls, and in a battle near Crecy, in Picardy, the English killed two kings, two dukes, seven earls, 1500 barons and knights, and about 30,000 private soldiers. But of the English not a man of note [was killed]. The French were 60,000 strong—the English 30,000." In the Private List and the Town Roll Richard the Second is said to have begun his reign in 1377. In the same year the Town List notifies that the— "Old Hospital [was] built by John, Duke of Lancaster, and in the same year Richard the 2nd succeeded his grandfather, Edward the 3rd, and money became scarce among the trading people, that a fat ox was sold for a noble [6s. 8d.], a fat sheep for Is., and a quarter of wheat for 7s." In the Town Roll and the Private List, the accession of Henry the Fourth, in the year 1399, is mentioned. In the Private List, under the date 1407, this entry is intro­ duced :— "A great plague in England: it destroyed 30,000 people in London, and multitudes in other places." The Private List notices that Henry the Fifth began to reign in 1411, and under date 1414 proceeds as follows :— THE EqLLS OF THE MAYORS OF LEICESTER. 291 " Oct. 25th. King Henry the Fifth began his march till he came to Agincourt, in Picardy. There he fought four memorable battles called by that name, in which the French were 60,000, the English 15,000; so the French noblemen, knights, esquires, 1000; and as many privates as exceeded the number of the con­ querors. So the king ordered them to be killed, lest they rebelled. Of the English were slain only four of note—Duke of York, Earl of Suffolk, and two knights, and 500 common soldiers: some say but 28." The Town Eoll notes the year 1421 as the first of Henry the Sixth's reign. On arriving at the year 1425, the Private List notes the fact that in that year, and in 1414, the Parliament sat in Leicester. In 1432, the Private List says:— " In 1432 King Henry the Sixth was crowned King of France in Paris." In 1442, the Town Eoll says :— " Paul's steeple burnt by lightning." In 1457, during the Mayoralty of Thomas Green, the Private List says:— " This year printing was invented at Mayence in Germany." In 1459, the Herrick Roll thus records the event:— " The noble science of printing found at Mence or Maguna in Germany, and brought into England by William Caxton, of London, mercer." In 1460, the Herrick Eoll has this entry:— " This same year of our Lord 1460 was three fields more fought —one at Wakefield, another at St. Alban's, and another at Morti­ mer's Cross—Eobert Skillington then Mayor." Under the date 1461 the same Roll notices— "Another field on Blackheath and another at Northampton." Under date 1462 the same Roll says:— " Palm Sunday field fought in the North betwixt Shireborne and Tadcaster, the 29th March, wherein were slain the number of thirty-five thousand seven hundred and eleven persons, in Edward the Fourth's time." In 1461 the Private List refers to the marriage of the King in these words:— " May 1. King Edward the Fourth married Lady Elizabeth Gray, relict of John Gray, of Groby, at Grafton, in Northampton­ shire ; the first of our Kings that ever married his own subject since the Norman invasion. Began to reign in 1461, March 4." In the Herrick Roll these entries. In 1470,— "Barnet Field on Easter Day in the morning." In 1471 :— " A battle fought at Tewkesbury this year." In connection with the ever memorable year 1485, the Private List has these memoranda:— 292 THE LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. " King Henry 7 and the sweating sickness in England, and Bosworth Fight, this year, 22nd August, when Crookback Dick was killed, and the King's army 12,000 and the Earl of Kichmond 5,000. All this in 1485." In the Herrick Roll, under the same date :— " King Richard's field was this year near unto Bosworth in Leicestershire," In the Private List, in 1499, it says :— " In this year new Hospital built." [I may here interpose that the Herrick Roll assigns this event to the year 1497.] In 1508,— " King Henry 8 hegan to reign, April 22." In 1513, on the Herrick Roll this occurs :— " This year was the Scottish field at Bramston Hill; the King of Scots killed, three bishops, three abbots, twelve earls, seventeen lords, besides knights and gentlemen." In 1514, in the Private List, this entry is made :— " In September, during King Henry's absence in France, the Scotch invaded England, but were routed at the battle of Flodden Field. The Scots killed there, were their king James 4, and three bishops, two abbots, twelve earls, seventeen lords, eight thousand knights and gentlemen, and as many prisoners. On the English side but 1,000 killed." Under the year 1517 the Herrick Roll says:— " This year was evill May Day that the 'prentices of London rose against the strangers, &c." The Town Roll says of the year 1525 :— " This year Dawson was burnt." The same Roll, under date 1527, mentions Thomas Bete, the Mayor, as " Bell founder in All Saints, ancestor of the Newcombes, whose gravestone is yet in the Church." The Herrick Roll, under date 1530, says :— " This year died Cardinal Wolsey at Leicester Abbey." The Town Roll, under date 1534, says:— "Leicester Abbey this year suppressed." Under date 1536, the Herrick Roll says:— " This year was the commotion in the North." These curt notices of national and local events contain nothing very novel or striking, and appear to me, therefore, to need no comment. I leave them to your own consideration. In concluding these references to the once busy men of the remote past, it is with the reflection how little is known of them now, as they pass like shadows before us in a dim panorama. That they were noted men in their day and did their work well, we may assuredly believe; but their best reward while living was to know they had uprightly and RICHARD FOWKE'S "EPHEMERIS." 298 disinterestedly served their fellow-men in their day and generation, for had they contemplated posthumous fame how vain were their aspirations !

The Mayor then asked the KEV. EENBST F. TOWEE, the Vicar of Earl's Shilton, to read a Paper he had prepared, entitled,

EICHARD FOWKE'S "EPHEMERIS," OR, THOUGHTS ON EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR, NOTES ON THE WEATHER, ETC., ETC., 1811. MR. TOWER then read as follows : Those who take literally the words of the programme of this Society's meeting to-day, and who look for a Paper of " great architectural or historical interest" from me, will be much dis­ appointed, when I announce my subject to be " Richard Fowke, of Elmesthorpe," again. Nevertheless, I wish to read a few extracts from his "Ephemeris," or "Diarium," written in the year 1811. And if by the publication in part of such a composition of that singular tenant-farmer, a few country customs and habits of a by­ gone generation are recorded in the Society's list of Papers, or an interest excited in favour of saving from the waste basket any other man's old notes, whose daily life, though uneventful, is illustrative of ways and manners no longer seen, one or two quarters of an hour will not be be grudged by my present listeners. Perhaps, too, the country thoughts of Richard Fowke may prove as refreshing as a country clergyman's occasional sermon to a town congregation when it is full of illustrations fresh from the country. But, first, let me remark upon "Ephemerides," or Almanacks in general, that an excellent Archaeological Paper might be written on them. The Almanack, or Almonaught, or Al-moon-heed (heed all the courses of the moon) dates back to the time of the Saxons in this country. " Our Saxon ancestors were accustomed to cut or carve upon square pieces of wood the courses of the moon for a whole year, by which they could tell when the new moons, full moons, and changes would occur; and these pieces of wood were called almonaught, or, as we have the word, almanack." I believe one of these Saxon almanacks may be still seen in S. John's College, Cambridge. In later times, almanacks, like books, were written on parchment and illuminated, a fourteenth century collec­ tion of which is preserved in the British Museum. After the invention of printing, almanacks became general in most countries. Those printed for the use of the public were commonly subject to taxation. Richard Fowke's was strictly a private almanack, written for private use. Had it not been that the British Government exacted a heavy stamp duty of 15d. upon every almanack printed 294 THE LEICESTEUSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. and published at that time, Richard Fowke was just the man who would have printed and circulated a farmer's almanack at an Elmesthorpe printing press, in connection with his museum and other curiosities. There are certain private thoughts in this " Ephemeris," and particularly some very touching ones upon the death of a most dear and only son, which, as a matter of course, for the sake of his tender memory, I shall industriously omit.

JANUABY. 1. Circumcision: commonly called New Year's Day. Moon six days old: moon sigh in the head. Sun rises 6 m. aft. 8, and sets 55 minutes after 3 o'clock. The year begins with frost and snow in the morning. Wind N., cloudy. Sunshine in the afternoon. Birds very tame. Flat Rounds (for) Dinner. N.B. The keeper left us a couple of rabbits. 3. A fine frosty morning, wind N.E. by N. Snow'd a little at noon. Sunshine after. Walked to Shilton in the morning to sell a load of barley to Mr. Walker; men spreading soil. As I walked by Elmsthorpe ruin'd church, this morning; methonghts II What tales of other times could this ruin tell—of her people—and her bridge—and ponds and fields—and armies marching through her small domains; but, alas I she is now like all sublunary things—mouldering, •t. A sharp frost. Wind N., cold and high. Snow lies thick on the ground. Birds flock to farmyards. Great flocks of wood-pigeons in the turnips—perhaps about 200. My tame Robin redbreast eats breadcrumbs out of my hand two or three times a day. Men getting in barley. Bad weather for sheep in the turnips. 5. A very sharp frost. Wind N.E., very high, and uncommon cold. Men a- threshing barley. Poor cattle starved and hungry. Sunshine. Snow drifted. Roasted rabbit (for) dinner. Night 16 hours and 4 minutes long. Mr. Bloxam call'd. Saturday, the true Sabbath or the 7th day of the Jews. I look upon this day to be the true Sabbath, ordained by Divine authority, but changed to Sunday by the laws of man. 6. Sunday. Epiphany. Old Christmas Day. Very sharp frost and cold, wind N. The butcher with meat for dinner—Mutton dinner. Many old people hava condemned the altering Christmas Day for want of being better informed about the date and Calendar and Gregorian period. They have no idea of the lost minutes for 100s of years past. At the first altering Christmas Day the common people were quite panic-struck. I very well remember folks making songs about it in a most satirical manner. 7. Plow Monday. The old custom of Plough Monday still prevails, Like a great many more old popular tales, Plough bullocks dressed in ribbons a gaudy shew, In .a long procession, shouting as they go. 9. A sharp frost and cloudy; wind N. How dull 1 How cold I winter is to-day. 10. Sharp frost. Wind E.,—the men a winnowing. We caught a landrail in the garden. 11. Peas-soup dinner. 13. Sunday a fine morning. Wind S. Sunshine. Wrote a letter. Men gone to Hinckley Church. This is the Christian's day of rest, With some to eat, and drink, and dress. Some to church or meeting always go, Some others stay at home and nothing know. 16. The morning cloudy and mild. Wind S. True friendship, hail I thou Goddess of all human Bliss I How we covet thy soft hours. Heart's Calm sunshine I the balm of all that's sweet In life I But how often are we disappointed Of that rare friendship which we supposed EICHAED FOWKE'S "EPHEMERIS." 295 Was real, which fell away all of a sudden, Perhaps for some trivial matter, or perhaps For want of better sense. Some of these sham Friends court your acquaintance for good eating And drinking or some pecuniary aid; but when These things fail, Farewell, honey-tongued Friendship I No longer pipe! No longer dance! But real friendship is " a friend in need, a friend Indeed." Nothing will part real friendship but Death. As for all other friends (they) are like Milk and water, or water upon a duck's back— Soon on and off. " Friends never part at a stile." 19. A frosty morning. Wind S.W. Very still and pleasant. Play'd cards at eight. When the wind is still and the day mild, The weather will soon alter again. People say it will quiekly be rain. It was a weather Breeder. . . This saying has been popular. In rainy weather if it happen to be a very fine day, Oh, say the folks, it's a weather Breeder. 26. A little frost and cloudy. Wind S.W. and cold a gardening. Sowed the first peas. I have been highly gratified in reading the Farmer's Boy, by B. Bloomfield.—" A Shepherd's Boy, he seeks no better name—The fields his study—Nature was his book—'Twas thus with Giles—meek, fatherless, and poor—Labour his portion, but he felt no more." We see how wise Providence is in sending hard frosts to mellowrate the ground, and making it more fit for receiving seeds in the spring. The stiff clays fall like lime. FEBKOAKY. 1. Moon 8 days old. Wind high all night. The glass low. Stormy with rain and snow. In February days get a many minutes longer. The proverb says " the cold get stronger," For when January is come and gone, " The snow will not lie long on the cold stone." 2. Candlemas Day. A sharp white frost. Getting in the last Barley. 6. I was this morning observing the old superstitious making of Crosses upon the malt after it was mashed in the mash-tub. It is common almost everywhere amongst the women when they brew to make Crosses to keep the witch out of the mash-tub, and that the Ale may be fine. 7. Blackbirds begin to sing. Drinking and smoking doth not agree with a many constitutions : for Tobacco is like poison to a many people. Yet smoking is become so fashionable that even boys smoke the stinking weed, and drink for bravado till they are drunk. 11. Morning a little cloudy. Wind S. Men gone to fetch Lord Wentworth's coals. I have been reading lately the history of the Jews, scattered among all nations and despised of men. ' Buonaparte to do something wondrous new ' Has in France patronized the people-Jew, ' Granted them a sanhedrim to mark the event, ' That the time was come that he like Moses sent ' To deliver them from bondage in France. ' But Nap! will for it make the Jews' money dance.' 13. Morning cloudy. Wind S.W. Birds sing sweetly. Mild for the season. Set Beans. There is a secret pleasure in treating our best friends with a dinner. We feel happy in having their company. But to ask people we don't like to come to see us w VOL. IV. 296 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. is a mere Shamado. The old saying is after a merriment " Merry nights come sorrowful days." 14. Valentine Day. Set the tulips. A cheesefactor came. 15. Snow at night. Mr. Chesher called. The politics of the day run high upon the Regency Bill, but the extreme between a Prince and a farmer forbids me to dabble in the affairs of Royalty. " I will leave these affairs to Lords, Dukes, and Rings, And be Farmer Hodge! and do meaner things." 17. Sunday. A sharp frost. Wind N.W. Sunday is often made a day of mirth more than rest. On Sunday many people get a good dinner for their friends. On Sunday a many folks go journeys to a great distance. On Sunday wakes are kept. On Sunday servants go to see their friends. On Sunday many people go to the Ale-House and get drunk. On Sunday boys go a bird-nesting, &c. 26. Shrove Tuesday or pancake day. Some people have been robbed near Hinckley lately. The gallows grows for them—if not already cut down, To season against Swingham fair. MARCH. 2. Good March weather. Reading books is the turnpike-road to the city of knowledge, and seeing the world makes us competent judges of things in the little world, and studying men and manners we know ourselves. 4. Garden : Sow seeds, &c., and in fields sow and set beans, and on dry soils barley. Trees bud. Every bird by instinct sings in praises to a warmer sun. The bars of black winter are broke through. A foolish and wicked way a great many people have of wishing the Devil may fetch them if they don't do so and so—or go to the Devil, or eat the Devil if they do not go to such a place. What can be a more indirect path of moral rectitude than the use of such expressions! Any man or woman would look strangely aghast to see his infernal Highness coming to fetch them according to their wishes. If people in this case was to have their wish The Devil would have a fry or often a dainty dish ! But (a) man must be either fool or mad Who wishes so soon to Hell to gad. 23. A little white frost. Wind N. and still. The air full of insects. Enigmas are all the rage among the doggrel writers of the day. Every little petty stocking-maker that can just write his name aims at the Cryptic art, steps out of the Frame, and makes riddles. 24. This is call'd Mothering Sunday. APKIL. 2. The news of the day is—the English beat 8,000 French with 3,000 men. 5. This day is called Old Lady Day, though by the almanack 'tis day later. A half-year's Rent-day which for many people comes too soon before the Rent is ready. 8. Riots by the stocking-makers of Hinckley about the prices. On Saturday night breaking windows, plundering, and burning, and pulling down houses. 14. Ester Sunday. The old popular tales for Ester Sunday are:—" The sun dances on Easter Sunday in the morning;" " If it rain on Ester day we shall have plenty of grass but little good Hay." The old popular saying of the moon changing upon Sunday, that there will be a flood before the next change, has prevailed with Farmers time out of mind. 22. It's very common for somebody to come to our odd Houses on Sunday afternoons to see us or our servants. They know Farmers keep good Bread and Cheese and Ale that will make cat speak. These are charming things for common folks. Who can blame these Sunday pest-dairies?—The Cuckoo heard the 1st time. 24. A fine misty morning. Cows turn'd to grass. Reading Woodward's Natural History of the earth, which is nothing but fine supposition of a learn'd man. RICHABD FOWKE'S "EPHEMEEIS." 297 All the daily and weekly Papers for some years past have teem'd with details of War! It has been a long and unnatural War I and will be while the Bloody Ey'd Monster [meaning Napoleon] reigns despotic. MAT. 11. After a dry fit of weather comes wet weather for many weeks. Old women say if it rain before Church-time on a Sunday morning it will rain every day that week. It hath been a custom time out of mind for children to scatter flowers before people's doors in towns on May-day. 15. This is our Bent Day. I believe every honest man is anxious to pay his Kent. I always feel a pleasant sensation when the Kent is paid. Then we have a full half-year to think on other business. 20. Yesterday we had plenty of Sunday Company. No less than nine, male and female. All merry over a glass of Ale and the News of the Day. 38. Farmers and common people extremely ignorant and illiterate, even vulgar in the highest degree, and very great believers in old popular tales of ghosts, fairies, witches, and people and cattle being under an evil tongue; nailing horse-shoes with nine holes on stable door and keeping one always in the fire, and a 100 more super­ stitious pranks. 29. This day is made very popular by wearing sprigs of oak and by sticking branches of oak agatnst houses and churches and ringing of bells. 30. All England busy in numbering the people. It was called a very great sin in David for numbering the people. I won't say so in our day.' JUNE. 12. The news of the day—the French beaten again in Spain ; uncommon thunderstorms; floods beyond precedent. 21. Longest day. Shearing our sheep. Such dainties at village sheep-shearing, till gaping boys and men have seen the bottom of the brown jug and copious horn— and a garland of flowers on the ram's neck to grace this rural day. I must break off these extracts. Time has expired. But allow me to make a remark or two in conclusion. We have perhaps imagined ourselves led back to a far-gone age whilst listening to the quaint language of Richard Fowke. And yet he lived in the days of our fathers and grandfathers. How rapid has been the progress of English society in this century! During the earliest portion of it, progress was checked by the anxieties of the French war, so that Englishmen did not advance socially in fifty years. The popular system of education founded by Lancaster and Bell was only just beginning. At the time the self-taught Richard Fowke lived, the middle classes in England were utterly neglected in respect of education. He classes "Farmers and common people as extremely ignorant" together. But see the great middle class of England now. How marvellously advanced in wealth and inde­ pendence ! See the increasing intelligence of the farmers. "Men thrashing" now means no longer the use of the slow flail, but that of the steam-engine, often the tenant-farmer's own. This increase of capital in the tenant means increase of wealth in the landlord; and the latter having learnt to appreciate high education for his own sons and daughters, no longer grudges to see his tenants' sons highly educated and the daughters learning the use of the piano as well as the churn. It is surprising also to compare the cottage- like farm-house of 1811 with the mansion of many a scientific 298 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. agriculturist now. Instead of having a sitting-room seven feet high at most, we are glad to see the well-ventilated drawing-room or parlour neatly or smartly furnished, and privacy carefully allowed for in the more numerous sleeping-rooms. There is an improve­ ment, moreover, in the general manners of the people. Superstitions are very rare indeed. Few also know now the meaning of Swingham Fair. Capital punishment for offences against the commonest laws has been abolished, aud its old cruelty removed. Profane swearing in ordinary conversation, which was common in Richard Fowke's day, is no longer regarded as a " special accomplishment, a mark of high breeding, a point of high gallantry for the complete gentleman to lard every sentence with an oath or a curse." Thanks to earnest Puritans and Churchmen alike, " the NAME which is above every name" is not so much vented and tossed about with unhallowed breath. In fine, we have gratefully to acknowledge the many social improvements we enjoy. And whilst we write in our Archaeological volumes, as it were, the epitaph upon our ancestors: Here lie the Remains of much industry and merit, honesty and pity mingled with some "superstitious pranks," we have to be careful not to give cause for our children's children sneer as an epitaph upon ourselves, but rather for the words :— " This generation died respected." At the conclusion of Mr. Tower's Paper: The Eev. J. 0. PIOTON delivered an address on the suggestive- ness of the names of places. One of his earliest recollections was living with his parents in the village of Bullocksmithy, in Cheshire, among a community of colliers. The name told its own tale ; it showed that in the coaching days a man named Bullock lived there, and earned a fame by shoeing horses. That place now was called Ha/elgrove. The longest name in English, he believed, was Featherstonehaugh. It was not generally known that the head of the extensive family of Smith was Earl Ferrers. In the name Snooks few would recognize Sevenoaks. Lord Castlereagh had a theory that every man who had three names was a Ja9obin at heart, as Charles James Fox and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Desford, his parish, was an old Saxon word, meaning the ford of the deer, or wild cattle; it was on the edge of the Forest, situated on a hill, at the foot of which was a stream at which the deer would come and drink. Near were Kirby Muxloe and Kirkby Mallory, the church stations of the Muxloe and Mallory families. The termination "by" indicated settlements of Danes, and these were chiefly on the eastern side of the county. Muxloe and Mallory were both names of Norman families, Sir Thomas Mallory trans­ lated into English the "Morte d'Arthur," in the Middle Ages. THE EXCURSION. 299 Close to Desford was Tooley park, a pleasant domain of about 600 acres. John of Gaunt granted " two leys " of land to a family, and from these came the name. Near Desford was also St. Mary's Leys, formerly belonging to the Abbey of Leicester. There was a farm called Sherricles, which after long study he found meant "shear close," the cultivated land cut off from the uncultivated. Bosworth was bare sward. In the front of his house, he had a prospect ranging from Thornton to Evington; in which Bardon and Billibarrow recalled our Celtic ancestors; Copt Oak and Mark- field brought to mind the feudal system; and Billesdon, Stoughton, and Evington brought to mind the sturdy Saxon race, the basis of the community. To be thoroughly understood and enjoyed, these names required a knowledge of the history of our country in all ages. When Mr. Picton closed his address, Mr. James Thompson proposed, and Mr. G. H. Nevinson seconded, a vote of thanks to the Mayor for presiding over the Society's proceedings, which his worship gracefully acknowledged. A portfolio of unfinished sketches of ancient buildings in Leicester, by the late Mr. Flower, was then opened by the Mayor, and the inspection of its contents brought the evening meeting to a close.

Wednesday, September 9th, 1874. THE EXCUESION. A goodly number of members and their friends assembled at the Wellington Hotel at nine o'clock, and soon after that hour started to visit the Churches of Syston, Rearsby, Gaddesby, Ashby Folville, Twyford, Queniborough, and Barkby. ME. M. H. BLOXAM, F.S.A., kindly undertook the duty of explaining the architectural and other interesting features of the different buildings visited, and Mr. Hunt (Thurnby) did his best, as usual, to keep all to the time laid down in the programme. The first church visited was that of Syston, which was described by Mr. Bloxam as follows: SYSTON CHUKCH. This is a good specimen of a village church. It consists of a tower, nave, north and south aisles, and chancel. The nave is of the fifteenth century; four arches on each side separate it from the aisles. These arches are pointed, and they, together with the octagonal piers from which they spring are peculiar, inasmuch as they are panelled in cinquefoiled headed compartments; the arches are also panelled in front, and have hood-moulds over them. The wooden roof of the nave is a good example of the fifteenth century; 300 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. the clerestory windows, four on either side, have depressed four- centred arches, filled with the common vertical tracery of the fifteenth century. The font is plain, and octagonal in shape. In the south wall, at the east end of the south aisle, is a piscina, indicative of an altar placed against the east wall of this aisle. The chancel is a structure of the fourteenth century; on the south side are three sedilia, under plain pointed simply chamfered arches, without hood-moulds, spriugingfrom cylindrical shafts with moulded bases and caps. In the north and south walls of the chancel, west­ ward, are low-side windows. In the north wall of the chancel is a plain triangular-headed locker or ambry. In the south-west wall of the chancel is a hagioscope or perforation, through which the elevation of the host might be observed by those in the south aisle. The arch dividing the chancel from the nave is panelled : on the north side is the roodloft door, access to which has been from the north aisles, up steps. The vestry, which is a modern addition on the south side the chancel, contains the ancient weather-cock of copper. Weather-cocks are of high antiquity. The tower-arch is very fine, and, together with the piers or responds from which it springs, is panelled. In the north aisle is a modern wall-painting, which I consider extremely good; it is of the modern German school. On the exterior the tower may first be noticed. This is of the fifteenth century. The west door is square-headed, with a pointed window above, the belfry windows in the upper storey are good, and beneath the parapet is an horizontal band panelled in four foils ; the base moulding is bold and good. High up, on the south-west buttress, are three sculptured heads, two male and one female. The east window of the chancel is plain, of the fourteenth century, pointed, with mullions simply crossing in the head. The wall of the south aisle has been rebuilt, but a fine sepulchral arch of the fourteenth century, cinquefoiled within the head, with a plain pedimental canopy, has been carefully rebuilt into it. Beneath this are the remains of a stone coffin and lower portion of a sepul­ chral slab, with the base of a cross. Such monuments in the external walls of churches are occasionally to be met with. KEAKSBY CHUKCH Was next visited, and on this Mr. Bloxam said—The approach to this church is over an ancient pack-saddle bridge, of seven arches, somewhat acutely pointed, of plain masonry, without ribs under the arches. This bridge, which is only four feet in width, may be of the thirteenth, certainly not later than the fourteenth century. •The church is of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The door­ way of the north aisle may possibly be of the thirteenth century. The south porch is modern. On each side the nave are four plain pointed arches with chamfered edges, springing from octagonal piers with moulded bases and capitals. These are of the four- THE EXCURSION. 801 teenth century. In the south wall of the south aisle, near the east end, is a piscina trefoiled in the head with a hood-moulding over. This is of the fourteenth century. The south wall of the aisle is of that period. In the south wall of the chancel are three sedilia beneath plain pointed arches with hood-mouldings over. These are of the fourteenth century. Eastward of these in the same wall is a piscina of the same period. In the north wall of the chancel is a square ambry or locker. The windows of the chancel are later insertions of the fifteenth century. The doorway on the south side is also of the fifteenth century. The tower is of an early period of the fifteenth century. It contains no west door­ way. The west window is of two lights, and the tower is finished with an embattled parapet. In the churchyard is a slate tomb­ stone to the memory of a former incumbent, CLEAEE SACHEVEKELLE, Kector of Rearsby, 1660. The font is very clearly a relic of a former church, because it is of the thirteenth century. GADDESBY CHURCH Came next, and, unlike the previous ones, did not appear to be at all well cared for by those who use it, which seems rather surprising considering its beautiful and interesting character. Respecting it Mr. Bloxam said: This is one of the finest, if not the very finest church, or rather chapel, in the county of Leicester, and is deserving of more minute examination than I can now pay to it. It is of that period, the fourteenth century, in which mediaeval art, both in architectural and sculptural design, had attained the highest perfection. The tower and spire are most elegant. The west end of the south aisle is an exceedingly rich Decorated work. It contains a doorway with numerous arch and jamb-mouldings, with a hood-moulding. Over this is what is called an ox-eyed window, composed of three segments of circles richly moulded, and crocketfced in a peculiar manner. On either side of this window is a rich ogee headed niche, surmounted by a pedimental canopy and enriched with crockets and a finial. Above this window is a niche similarly designed. In a buttress at the south-west angle are rich canopied niches. The parapet is embattled with a sculptured frieze beneath it. On the south side of the south aisle westward is a Decorated window, despoiled of tracery. Three buttresses with canopied niches and an embattled parapet with a sculptured frieze beneath are the most prominent external features of this, the westernmost part of the aisle. The easternmost part of the aisle is of the plain Decorated design of the fourteenth century. The east window is transitional in style of the latter part of the four- 302 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. teenth century. The north aisle has a doorway in the centre of the wall. This door has an ogee canopy. It has numerous archi­ trave mouldings with hood-moulding over, and shafts at the jambs with caps and bases. On each side of this doorway are two rich windows, with Decorated tracery. Over the buttresses are gargoyles. The parapet of this aisle is embattled with a hollow cornice mould­ ing beneath, in which the ball flower is inserted at intervals. The east window of the north aisle is very rich. It is filled with Decorated tracery. At the jambs are shafts and over it is a hood- moulding. The base mouldings of this aisle are good. The chancel is lighted on the south side by a plain Decorated window of the fourteenth century, the mullions of which cross in the head. Eastward of this a fifteenth century window has been inserted. The north side of the chancel is lighted by two fourteenth century windows, the mullions of which cross in the heads. The east window of the chancel is plain fourteenth century work, consisting of five lancet lights, the heads of which are plain, and not foiled. Externally, we have in this church the richest features of the fourteenth century at the west end of the south aisle; rich features of the fourteenth century in the north aisle; and plain features of the fourteenth century in the chancel, with one window of later work inserted. As to the interior the tower arch is plain pointed, of the fourteenth century; the responds from which it springs have moulded caps. The nave is divided from the aisles by five plain pointed arches on each side, springing from octagonal-piers, with moulded bases and capitals. The clerestory windows above the arches are of the fourteenth century. In many of the churches of this period the clerestory windows are an addition of the fifteenth century. The font is of Decorated work, of the fourteenth century, octagonal in shape. On each face is a pointed arch crocketted and finialled. In the east wall of the north aisle is a piscina, beneath a trefoil-headed fenestella, moulded with a plain moulded triangular pediment above. Piscinae in east walls are rare, though they are sometimes to be met with. In the south aisle is a piscina. In the south wall, near the east end, is a trefoil- headed fenestella, well moulded with shafts at the jambs. Across the fenestella is a wooden credence shelf. The west end of the south aisle seems to have been designed as a mortuary chapel. In the south wall is a trefoil-headed sepulchral arch surmounted by a finial, with shafts at the jambs. This is now filled up with brick­ work. It is probably the tomb of the builder, whoever he was, of this part of the church. This tomb is in an unusual position. The chancel is the plainest and least decorated portion of the whole church or chapel. It simply contains a piscina in the south wall within a plain pointed fenestella; there are no sedilia. The chancel screen is modern; contrary to general rule, the chancel here appears to have had less pains and cost bestowed upon it than THE EXCURSION. 303 upon any other part of the church. There are some open seats of the fifteenth and pews of the seventeenth century. The church contains one sculptured recumbent effigy. This is in the north aisle, and is of the latter part of the fifteenth or early part of the sixteenth century. It represents one in armour, his head bare and his hair clubbed or cropped close, resting on a tilting helmet, to his breastplate angular-shaped tuilles are attached, beneath which is an apron of mail. The shoulders are protected by pauldrons, the upper arms by rerebraces, the elbows by coudes, and the low arms by vambraces, all of plate. The nether limbs are protected by cuisses, genouilleres, jambs, and broad-toed sollerets ; the latter, together with the treatment of the hair, showing this effigy not to be of earlier date than the reign of Henry VII. On the right side is an anelace, or dagger; on the left a sword, affixed to a narrow belt crossing the body diagonally. The feet rest against a lion. This is placed on a high tomb, the sides of which are embellished with quatrefoils inclosing shields. Close to this is a sepulchral slab, with incised effigies of a man in armour, and his wife. This is somewhat earlier than the sculptured effigy, and, from the long- necked spurs may be assigned to the reign of Henry VI. This church or chapel, take it altogether, is well worthy of a more minute examination, especially by the architectural student, and is one of those architectural structures of which we may well be proud.

ASHBY FOLVILLE CHUKCH Was next visited. The interior of this was in a very dilapidated state, but its restoration was then in the hands of Mr. W. Lindley, of Leicester, under the direction of Messrs. Ordish and Traylen. Mr. Bloxam said: This church consists of a tower, nave, north and south aisles, and chancel, and is partly of the fourteenth and partly of the fifteenth century. The nave is separated from the aisle by five arches on the south, and four arches on the north side. These arches and the piers from which they spring, are of the fifteenth century. The roof of the nave is a good specimen of the fifteenth century, but the angle of the roof of the earlier nave is still visible on the east wall of the tower. The tower arch is of the fourteenth century, the tower itself apparently of the fifteenth century. The clerestory windows are also of that period. The north aisle is of the fourteenth century; the west window is of the Decorated style. The north doorway is of the Decorated style of the fourteenth century. At the east end of the north aisle, a fifteenth century window of three lights beneath a depressed four- centred arch has been inserted. The south aisle is of rich Decorated work of the fourteenth century. The west window of this aisle is of the Decorated style; it has been blocked up with 804 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. brickwork, and requires careful restoration. The south aisle door­ way is of the Decorative style, and rich in composition. In the east wall of the south aisle, a wall which separates it from a sepulchral chapel, is a piscina close to which, southward, is a door leading into the chapel. The chancel contains a plain piscina in the Decorated style at the east end of the south wall, and at the west end of the south wall in the chancel is a sepulchral arch, and from the north aisle is a hagioscope or squint. The lower portion of the roodscreen between the chancel and nave is existing. It is of rich panel work of the fifteenth century, painted. The entrance to the roodloft is from the north aisle in the south wall eastward, and the doorway to the roodloft is up above. In the east wall of this aisle is a hagioscope, enabling those in this aisle to view the elevation in the chancel at the high altar. Also, you have an ancient stand of the seventeenth century for an hour-glass. In the north aisle on the pavement is an ancient altar slab, with the five crosses incised upon it. The font is Norman, a relic of a former church, and square in form. In the north wall of the north aisle near the east end is an ambry or locker, with a depressed four- centred arch. Some plain sittings of the fifteenth century still remain. Part of the west end of the south aisle is separated by a seventeenth century screen. In the chancel is a sepulchral slab, on which is incised an emaciated body in a shroud with whelps at the feet, and this is of the date 1470. Eastward of the north aisle is a mortuary chapel, divided from the chancel by a fourteenth century arch. This chapel contains on the south side a high tomb, the north side of which exhibits three shields within quatrefoils. On this tomb lies a recumbent effigy in armour. The head reposes on a double cushion, the uppermost lozenge shaped, the undermost square. The personage here represented appears in«a conical basinet and camail or tippet of mail, his head supported by angels much mutilated. His body armour presents the breast-plate covered with a jupon escalloped at the edges of the skirts, with an apron of mail beneath, and horizontal bawdrick about the loins, cuisses, genouilleres, jambs, and sollerets (the latter leminated), protect the thighs, knees, legs, and feet, and the latter rest against a lion—the arms are gone. This effigy may be attributed to the latter part of the fourteenth century. Eastward of this effigy in the south wall is a piscina. Two other monuments are in this chapel, one beneath a canopy resembling a tester bed, the other without a canopy, and both are of the seventeenth century. Some fragments of funeral armour pertaining to achievements are lying about. The south window of this chapel is in the Decorated style, square-headed, with a hood-moulding over, and the ball flower inserted at intervals in a hollow moulding. The east window of this chapel is pointed, and embellished in the architrave and jambs with the ball flower. THE EXCURSION. 305 [The REV. JOHN GODSON, Vicar of Ashby Folville, sends the following note:

This large Church has both in itself and in its monu­ ments many features of interest. The monuments of the Carington family were beautified and restored in a gorgeous and most costly manner by the father of the present Lord Carington. The monument which popular legend describes as that of " the headless lady" is specially interesting. In his History of the County of Leicester, Nichols says—This figure, by the delicate fingers, &c., is evidently that of a lady, apparently headless, nor is there on the stone the least vestige of anything ever having been engraved above her neck. The tradition runs thus—an heiress of the lordship, living at the Old Hall, was beset by many impor­ tunate lovers, and that she smiled on two but particularly loved one only; the less favoured of these two lovers arrived at the Hall one day, a little after a great event had happened—the fair one had committed herself to execute a flight with her favourite lover on horseback. Deeply dis­ appointed and offended at his lady-love's treacherous conduct, he pursued the flying pair, and, alas ! for their hope of escape and future happiness, he overtook them at Wartnaby. Then came a fierce encounter, in which the lady's Knight fell dead. Still boiling over with resentment, the pursuer turned upon the defenceless and horror-stricken young lady standing by, and with one blow of his sword took off her head. They brought her back to Ashby to bury her. The date on the alabaster slab is in Roman letters 1471. In the Carington Chapel, Sir Eustace, son of Sir Fulke Folville, lies in effigy in chain mail; his breastplate is represented as pierced by a javelin or lance- head, broken short off. The history here is that Sir Eustace had his right to his Ashby lands disputed by Sir John Bellairs, of Kirby; in those days law was weak and superstitious faith strong, so "wager of battle" was legally and solemnly resorted to by powerful personages in order to decide their quarrels, and show who was in the right. This was regarded as an appeal to God and a final settle­ ment of the matter by Him. The stout knight, Sir Eustace, challenged his neighbour, and the two met in mortal combat at Ashby Pastures (where the stone memorial pillar still stands). The Knight of Kirby was killed on the spot. Sir Eustace therefore made good his right; but his wound doomed him to survive only three months.] 806 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL

TWYFORD CHURCH. Twyford was reached about two o'clock, when an excellent luncheon, provided at "The Saddle" Inn, was, after the long drive, much enjoyed. Afterwards the party assembled in the church. Mr. Bloxam remarked that though this church was a smaller one than those they had visited, it was not without its interest. It was of three periods. In the arcade separating the north aisle from the nave they had Early English semicircular arches, differ­ ing from the Norman in many respects, and having the corners of the capitals bevelled off. One of the capitals was finely sculptured. They had an exceedingly good roof of the fifteenth century, and the windows of that century were inserted in a wall the masonry of which was of the fourteenth century. The chancel window was of the Transitional period. There was a low-side window on the north side of the chancel which had been used for the purpose of confession. The font was of the thirteenth century, and the tower of the fifteenth without a western door. The modern fittings were very good. There were thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth century work in the church. The Rev. A. G. Knight said he found the centre column now under the font when restoring the church, and had it placed in its present position. There was a statement in a published work that this church was built by the same man who built Oakham Castle, and that it was struck by lightning one day when the congregation were leaving the church. When he levelled the church floor, he found a great deal of molten lead and some burnt bricks. On the tower of the church was to be seen the face of the clock which many years ago occupied a position in front of the old Exchange in the Leicester Market Place. QUENIBOROUGH CHURCH. Mr. Bloxam said this was the only church they had visited that day in which there remained four periods of architecture. The north window was Norman, and the font, south window, arches, and the piers were of the thirteenth century. The chancel arch and windows were of the fourteenth century. In the fifteenth century the walls were raised above the arches, and the clerestory inserted. There was a fifteenth century roof, and the tower and spire were of the fifteenth century. The roodloft screen had been removed to the north aisle. The restoration of that church had been exceedingly well done, the mouldings being very good, and his only wish was that the screen could occupy its original position at the bottom of the chancel. On the south side of the chancel were the remains of the piscina, on the north a locker. The Com­ munion Table was of plain Jacobean work. Above the pulpit was AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 307 the entrance to the roodloft and below a curious figured tablet of the sixteeth century. On the north side of the church were the remains of a piscina, showing there had been an altar there. There was a fine north doorway, but a great deal of the church was modern. Mr. Bloxam again stated that the only thing he regretted in the restoration of the church was the removal of the screen to the position it now occupied. The party were hospitably received by Mr. Ordish in the old manor house of Queniborough, and passed a short time in examining several objects of interest in his possession.

BARKBY CHUBCH. Mr. Bloxam remarked that this church was throughout of one period, the whole of it having been built in the fourteenth century, with the tower and spire. They had there a nave with arches on each side, which were very good. In the restoration of the church, the pew work was- not so satisfactory as in the previous church they had visited. He presumed the piscina had been blocked up, but he had no doubt it could be found. Mr. Nevinson remarked that the side walls were entirely new. There were two low-side windows in the chancel, and staples for the shutters, which were opened when confession was going on. The chancel arch was Decorated, and there was in the building what they found in few places, a window over the chancel arch. It might be thirty or forty years since that church was repewed, when high pews were in use. The chancel was undergoing restoration under the direc­ tion of Messrs. Ordish and Traylen. The party then returned via Syston and Thurmaston to Leicester, arriving at the Wellington Hotel about 7.15 p.m., having thoroughly enjoyed the whole of the day's proceedings.

September V&ih, 1874.

THE KEY. J. H. HILL, F.S.A., in the chair.

The following gentlemen were elected members :— The Eev. J. Godson, Ashby Folville; and the Rev. D. W. Barratt, Waltham-on-the-Wolds. IT WAS PKOPOSED, and carried unanimously, that the best thanks of the Society be given to the Worshipful the Mayor of Leicester for presiding over the late General Meeting of the Society, and for the use of the Guildhall; also to the Contributors and Readers of Papers; to Mr. M. H. Bloxam, F.S.A., and to the other gentlemen, for so kindly describing the churches and other buildings visited on the occasion of the Meeting and the Excursion, and also to the clergy of the various parishes visited, for so readily 808 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. throwing open their churches for inspection; and to the gentlemen forming the Sub-Committee, for their exertions in making the necessary arrangements for the meeting. The following antiquities, &c., were exhibited :— BY ME. A. H. PAGET : specimens of Roman pottery and glass, lately discovered in excavating for additional premises for Messrs. Fielding & Johnson, in North Bond-st., Leicester. Many examples of work of this period were found near the same spot several years ago, and the best among them are preserved at the Museum. The present find comprises fragments of the red glazed ware known as Samian, though generally thought to have been made in Gaul or Germany. Some of these are plain, and others enriched with the characteristic wreaths, festoons, and figures in relief, one piece bearing a lion skilfully modelled. This fine material was chiefly used for bowls and deep platters or dishes, probably for use at table. Two specimens exhibit the potter's mark on the bases. All that remains of one is TI • M; the last letter for manu, " by the hand of;" while the rest is the last syllable, genitive case, of the maker's name. More remains of the other example, but the un­ accustomed forms of the letters, ligatured, or bound together, in a characteristic way, makes it hard to decipher. The dark grey Upchurch ware is also represented, so called from having been manufactured near to a village of that name on the Medway. They are pieces of jars with broad curling lips, and the peculiar, smoke- like hue, is believed to have been given by suffocating the fire in the kilns when the goods were partly baked. Fragments were also found of pitchers with handles and narrow necks of coarse light- brown clay, and a few pieces of a pale red colour, with a powdering of shining particles. The most valuable remains, however, were three specimens of Roman glass. They are of a bluish-green colour, and coated in parts with a prismatic incrustation, which greatly heightens their beauty. Two pieces have the raised flutes or ribs, such as may be seen on fragments in the Museum, and of which Mr. C. Roach Smith, in his "Illustrations of Roman London," says that few specimens have been found in Great Britain. The third is still more curious. It is a portion of a cylindrical vessel, most likely a drinking cup, three inches in diameter, bearing military figures and an inscription in relief. It is rudely modelled, and seems to have been made in two parts, since the line where the two moulds met is clearly seen. It is believed that no such example has hitherto been found in Leicester; but Mr. Roach Smith writes that a few specimens have been discovered in London and elsewhere of glass bowls and cups, and instances one decorated with figures of gladiators, with their names and chariot races. The figures in the present case are slightly above an inch in height, and bear the closest resemblance to examples taken, in the work quoted above, from specimens of TRINITY HOSPITAL, LEICESTER. 309 Samian. Two figures are entire, and show the Roman equipment, with helmet, shield, and short sword. The inscription carried along the upper margin seems to be—VS 8PICVLVS COLVMBVS CALM, and may be the names of the gladiators represented below.

It is hoped that these interesting remains may be presented to the Museum, and thus enrich our valuable collection of local Roman antiquities. By the REV. A. M. RENDELL : The original seal, an impression from which he produced at the last meeting. It was of cast brass ; the matrix a double-headed spread-eagle rudely designed. It was conjectured to be an attorney's common seal of the seventeenth century. By MR. G. H. NEVINSON : The bowl of a pipe cut out of solid stone, apparently green basalt, supposed to be of Indian manu­ facture. Ma. G. C. BELLAIES (Hon. Sec.) read the following Paper, being an enlargement of his remarks on the building therein referred to at the late General Meeting. TRINITY HOSPITAL, LEICESTER. This Hospital formed part of the Collegiate establishment founded by Henry, Earl of Lancaster, in the year 1330, in Leicester, called The Newarke. The Collegiate Church being dedicated to St. Mary, and there being already two other ecclesi­ astical establishments, viz., The Abbey, and the Church dedicated to her, in Leicester, they seem to have been puzzled for a name sufficiently distinctive. The establishment was enlarged and completed by Henry, Duke of Lancaster, son of the Earl; and 310 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, took great interest in it, his second wife being buried here. There appears, however, to have been an earlier establishment of this nature in the Newarke, for Burton, in his history of the county, says of this place, " Without the south gate, Henry, Earl of Lancaster, in the 5th of K. E. III., founded a hospital, a bedehouse for four chaplains, two clerks, fifty men, and five women, to act as nurses, which continueth in good state to this day. And neere unto the same, Henry, Duke of Lancaster, sonne to the said Henry, built a most magnificent and goodly colledge, called the New Worke (which name still it beareth), for a dean, twelve prebends, and certain choristers, which (whilst it stood) was no small ornament and beauty to the city, but at the suppression of abbies, in the time of King Henry VIII., it was pulled down, and then valued to dispend ^800. In this chapel was buried the Earl of Lancaster, who died 1345, in 20th E. IEL, and the said Henry, Duke of Lancaster, who died 1361, 36th E. III. Here also was founded a chappell or (as others says) an hospital, by William the Leaper, sonne to Robert Blanchmains, Earl of Leicester." Robert Blanchmains died 1190, so that this chapel of William Blanchmains would be built about the year 1200, and as this date agrees with the early English character of the east end of the chapel of this hospital (which is clearly much older than the time of Henry, Earl of Lancaster), I think there is good reason to believe that this was the chapel, or part of the chapel and hospital of William fhe Leaper. This William founded two establishments of this nature at Leicester, the one alluded to, and another called the hospital and chapel of St. Leonard. They were both outside the walls of the city, and were for the benefit of persons afflicted with the same disease as the founder, which disease having died out, the buildings were used for public general worship, that in St. Leonard's became the Parish Church of St. Leonard, and was destroyed at the siege of Leicester, as the tower commanding the North Bridge would facilitate the operations of the enemy. That in the Newarke was converted into the present hospital. This hospital was originally a very large long hall, consisting of a nave and side aisles. The nave was divided from the side aisles by an arcade of thirteen arches (besides the chapel arches), which are still remaining. The south aisle has disappeared, but some portion of the original outer wall of the north aisle is still standing. For the original arrangement of the hospital, the aisles would be partitioned off by screens or some other means into bed closets, and the nave would be the common room of the inmates, and the whole would be warmed by fires on hearths in the middle of the hall floor, the smoke escaping through louvres in the roof, and most likely the large caldron, called " The Duke of Lancaster's porridge pot," which is a very fine specimen of a bell-metal cooking utensil of the period, was ..TRINITY HOSPITAL, LEICESTER. 311 suspended over the fire, and some of the daily provisions of the inmates prepared therein. The south wall of the aisle, except that portion still remaining as part of the present chapel, was taken down in 1776, when the hospital and buildings were much altered. Nichols, in his History of Leicestershire, gives a view of the place just before this alteration, where it appears that the aisles extended to the eastern sides of the present transepts of the chapel. When the south aisle was pulled down, the bed closets were built inside the nave, which then became a mere passage; the roof was heightened, and the upper story added—the capitals of the nave arcade were chipped off, the builders appearing to have taken Wyggeston's Hospital as their model. It is somewhat difficult to say from the remains what the chapel originally was, but I think it consisted of a nave, divided from the aisles by an Early English arcade, but which arcade was pulled down when the hospital was added, and the hospital arcade carried as far as the old chancel. The monumental effigy of a lady here is stated by the late Mr. Stockdale Hardy to be that of the Countess of Derby, who was buried in the Collegiate Church of the Newarke. There is a tra­ dition to the effect that it was moved from the church to its present resting place at the time of the dissolution of monasteries, when the church of the Newarke, together with all ecclesiastical estab­ lishments in Leicester (except the Parish Churches and Hospital chapels) were utterly destroyed, not one stone being left upon another, the graves desecrated, and the monuments broken to pieces or sold; and when Wyrley visited Leicester in 1590, barely half a century afterwards, they were almost forgotten. This was, perhaps, owing to a spirit of retaliation for the persecution of the Lollards, many of whom were burnt in Leicester. But however much the ecclesiastics might have been to blame, it is a pity so many fine buildings and monuments have been lost to the town. Leicester was rich in tombs of royal personages, and as in making an inquiry as to who the effigy in the Trinity Hospital chapel was designed for, it is necessary to go a little into the history of the church of the Newarke, I will quote what Leland says of the building, which will give some idea of what it was like, and show what monuments there were there, and to whose memory they were erected. Leland, who visited Leicester whilst the church continued in full splendour, says in his Collectanea, " Newark College has a revenue of £800, and consists of twelve prebendaries, besides a dean, and singing men." And in his Itinerary he thus described it: " The Collegiate Church of Newarke and the area of it yoinith to another peace of the Castelle ground. The College Church is not very great, but it is exceedingly fair. There lyith on the north side of the high altare, Henry, erl of Lancaster, without a crounet, and two men children under the great arche next to his hedde. On the southe side lyith Henry, the first Duke of Lancaster; and x VOL. IV. 812 LEICESTERSHIRE AECHITECTUKAL SOCIETY. yn the next arche to his hedde lyith a lady, by liklihood his wife. Constance, daughter to Peter, King of Castelle, and wife to John of Gaunt, liith afore the high altare in a tumbe of marble, with an image of brass (like a quene) on it. There is a tumbe of marble in the body of the quire. They told me that a Countes of Darby lay biried in it; and they make her, I wot not how, wife to John of Gaunt, or Henry the IV. Indeed, Henry the IV., while John of Gaunt lived, was called Erie of Darby. In the chappelle of St. Mary, on the south side of the quire, lie buried to of the Shirleys, Knights, with their wives, and one Broksby, an esquier. Under a pillar yn a chappelle of the south crosse isle, lyith the Lady Hungerford, and Sacherevel, her second husbande. In the south side of the body of the church lyith one of the Eluntes, a Knight, and his wife; and on the north side of the church lie 3 Wigestons, great Benefactors to the College. One of them was a Prebendarie there, and made the free Grammar School. The Cloisters stand­ ing on the south weste side of the church is large and faire, and the houses in the cumpace of the area of the college for the pre­ bendaries be all very praty. The waulles and gate of the College be stately. The riche Cardinal of Winchester gilded all the flours and knotts in the voulte of the Church. The large almose house standith also within the quadrante of the area of the College." This church was demolished before the visitation of Mr. Wyrley, in 1590, who says :—" Henry Plantagenet, first Duke of Lancaster, founded a place called the Newarke, by the south gate of this town. This piece of building has been commended by knights and squires to have been the fairest they had seen. By this Abbey (College) the said Henry founded a stately hospital, which yet remaineth. In it is a very fair and stately monument of a lady, curiously wrought, but of no note or mark." In this chapel, also, Mr. Wyrley describes these arms: " 9. Argent a chevron between three mullets of six points, pierced sable. 10. Barry of eight, argent and gules, eight martletts, 3, 2, 2, and 1, sable. 11. Gules three lions of England, a label of three points each charged with as many fleur de lis, sable (Lancaster). 12. Gules a Fess between six martletts, argent. 13. Gules three fishes naiant in pale, argent a bent sable. 14. Argent three leopards' heads jeassant, sable (Sadingtori). 15. Azure fretty argent (Cave), impaling gules a saltire vaire." The hospital at that time (the time of Wyrley, about 1590) continued under the patronage of the Queen in right of the Duchy of Lancaster. By her authority the wardens were appointed, and by her grants most of the houses and lands were transferred to the Corporation of Leicester, with several fee farm rents, amounting to £4. 2s. 5d., belonging to the Newarke, seven of which were from houses situate within their liberty, and others at Knighton, Carlton Curlew, Burton, Sileby, and Glenfield. In the early part of James the First's reign William Fowkes was TRINITY HOSPITAL, LEICESTER. 813 master or warden, under a regular patent, which he had the power of transferring, and accordingly sold it for £26. 13s. 4d. to Henry Earl of Huntingdon, who in 1609 offered it to the Corporation of Leicester, upon condition that they would pay for it as much as he gave to Mr. Fowkes, which was agreed at a meeting of the twenty- four aldermen, and twenty-four of the seniors of the company of forty-eight, February 19, 1609-10; and that sum was accordingly paid; and also for charges of suing out the same in the name of the mayor, bailiffs, and burgesses, £37. 14s. The Countess of Derby mentioned was Mary Bohun, first wife of Henry IV., mother to King Henry V., who died (1394) before her husband's accession to the Crown, and who (Knighton, c. 2741, expressly says) was buried at Leicester. Nichols says, " Had Henry IV. died Earl of Derby, it is possible he would have been buried among his ancestors in the Collegiate Church of their founding at Leicester, so that it is no improbable conclusion that his wife, who died Countess of Derby, was actually carried thither to his family rather than to her own, especially as the conjectures about her do not deposit her among any of her very near relations if they were at all related to her." (Gough's Sepulchral Monuments in Great Britain, vol. ii., p. 35.) " This is a sufficient confutation of Sandford's idea that she was buried in Canterbury Cathedral, and that Henry, out of regard to her, chose that church for his sepulture, as well as of the appropriation of a figure in Hereford Cathedral to her." Nichols goes on to say, " Under the north window of the chapel of the present Hospital remains a monument, and which might be supposed to have belonged to this Countess were it not that as the college church which Leland describes is certainly long since demolished, we must conclude the monuments perished with it, and look for some other appropriation of that in the chapel, which being only the original oratorium of the old Hospital, gives a very inadequate representation of the ' not very great but exceeding fair' collegiate church." Nichols describes the effigy as "A lady in a veil and mantle with a standing cape, necklace, and jewel pendant, long sleeves reaching down to her wrists, garment folded over her feet, angels at her head, under which are two cushions, the under­ most tasseled. The tomb has an embattled moulding and four shields on the south front." Nichols, alluding to Wyrley's account of this monument, says, " This is probably the figure now remain­ ing in the north wall under the north window of the chapel of the Trinity Hospital, founded by her husband." By which last remark, it would seem that Nichols had'an idea of this effigy being that of the Countess of Lancaster. I have now given all the published testimony and remarks I know of respecting this Hospital and monument, and notwithstanding what Nichols says, I think this must be one of the monumental effigies from the Collegiate Church, and that it must be either the Countess of Derby, or, as I am 814 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTUEAL SOCIETY. more inclined to believe, Isabel, wife of Henry, Duke of Lancaster, and daughter of Lord Beaumont; From the appearance of this effigy, and the substructure, I conceive it was a monument commemorating one person only, and there are three of these single memorials to ladies mentioned by Leland, one to Constance, wife of John of Gaunt, which was a brass effigy " like a queen," as Leland says. So it cannot be that. The one to the Countess of Derby was placed in the centre of the quire, and would, I think, have a larger and more important substructure, and Leland describes it as a tomb only, and mentions no effigy, which he clearly indicates in the other cases, and the effigy in question is not marble. There then remains that of the Duchess of Lancaster, which was under an arch or canopy; and this tomb, with its narrow, low substructure, might well rest on a larger tomb under such a canopy. It is clear from Leland's description that the Duke of Lancaster and his wife had separate tombs. He says, "In the next arch to his hedde lyeth a lady, by likelihood his wife;" so they were not side by side: and from this description I gather that under arches or canopied recesses on each side of the quire there were four tombs, two on each side. These tombs were apparently erected by the Duke of Lancaster to his father and two men, children, and his wife and himself; and it would appear they were not very ostentatious, as Leland describes, with some surprise, the Earl as being without a cronnet, and he dwells more on the splendour of the other tombs. It is also more probable that the Hospitallers would take care of the Duchess in preference to the Countess of Derby, as they would know the former well (by tradition at least), but the latter they could not know much of. This monument may, however, be Maud, wife of Henry, Earl of Lancaster, the founder of the hospital, and who was a daughter of Sir Patrick Chaworth; but if so it would have been there in Leland's time, and he says nothing of it. I will conclude with pointing out what Leland shows us of the Collegiate Church. His description of the tombs indicates that there was a quire, a chancel, with side aisles, and tombs under canopies on either side. On the south side was the Chapel of St. Mary, or Lady Chapel. There were transepts, with aisles arranged in chapels, and a nave with side aisles; and the ceiling was vaulted, and the bosses at the intersection of the vaulting ribs were gilded. [In part confirmation of the opinions advanced in the above Paper by Major Bellairs may be quoted the following interesting " Note " from the pen of a Leicester Antiquary who—shortly after its delivery—under the signature of "F.R.H.S.," wrote thus in the columns of a local newspaper : " The identification of the lady whose memory the alabaster altar-tomb, near the north-east corner of the ' TRINITY HOSPITAL, LEICESTER. 315 Chapel of Trinity Hospital, was intended to perpetuate, has long been one of the undecided " curiosities of history." The only point connected with it, in which nearly all the writers on the subject agree, is the truth of the tradition that it had been removed, after the dissolution of Religious Houses, from the beautiful Collegiate Church on the opposite side of the Newarke, although Nichols, in his History of Leicestershire, has certainly expressed a doubt whether, on the demolition of the church, the monuments which it contained did not also perish with it. This, however, is only the expression of an individual opinion, as opposed to a generally received tradition. " The enquiry was zealously pursued by one of our local antiquaries of the last generation—the late Mr. John Stockdale Hardy, F.S.A.—who in the year 1836, brought out a learned essay on the subject, which was then privately printed, and which, after his decease, was pub­ lished in his " Literary Remains " (8vo. 1852), in which he proved, to his own satisfaction, at least, that the tomb was that of Mary de Bohun, Countess of Derby, and mother of Henry the Fifth; and indeed, this appropriation of the monument was for a long time generally accepted as the true one. "An opponent of this theory, and one who now appro­ priates the monument to another noble lady, has, however, just appeared, in the person of Mr. G. C. Bellairs, who at the last meeting of the Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society read an interesting Paper on " Trinity Hospital," which was printed in the Leicester Journal of the 9th instant, and in which that gentleman has expressed his belief that the monument represents not Mary de Bohun, but Isabel, wife of Henry, Duke of Lancaster, and daughter of Lord Beaumont. In this opinion I am strongly disposed to concur; but my chief object in this note is to show, in a stronger manner than Mr. Bellairs has been able to do, that the tomb cannot possibly be that of "the mother of one of England's most renowned sovereigns—the hero of Agincourt," as supposed by Mr. Hardy. In so doing, I need not reiterate or stop to consider the arguments to that effect brought forward by Mr. Bellairs, although some of them (not all, as will be seen) are indirectly of weight; because there is positive documentary evidence which renders all else of little value in arriving at a conclusion. This evidence was entirely unknown at the time when Mr. Hardy wrote his Essay, and it has escaped the notice of Mr. Bellairs. Attention was, I believe, first drawn to its existence by Mr. Kelly, in 316 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL his Royal Progresses to Leicester (privately printed in 1854). It consists of the following entry on the Issue Roll of the Exchequer, 1st Henry V.: ' 20 May [1413.] To William Godezer, a citizen and coppersmith of London. In money paid to his own hands, in advance, for newly devising and making an image, in likeness of the mother of the present lord the King, ornamented with divers arms of the Kings of England, and placed over the tomb of the said King's mother, within the King's College at Leicester, where the mother of the aforesaid lord the King is buried and entombed, £43.' (Devan's Pell Records.) "The employment of a 'coppersmith* to construct the tomb erected by the King to the memory of his mother clearly demonstrates that the monument of Mary de Bohun— or at least, the ' image in likeness of' her, and the ' divers arms of the Kings of England' with which it was adorned, were, unlike the tomb in Trinity Hospital—not of alabaster, but of brass or bronze. " The only tomb at all corresponding with this in the Collegiate Church of the Newarke, as seen by Leland, would be that described by him as follows :— ' Constance, daughter to Peter, King of Castelle, and wife of John of Gaunt, liith afore the high altare in a tumbe of marble, with an image of (brasse) like a quene on it.' " It is evident from Leland's account that several of the principal tombs were without any inscription to denote those persons whom they represented (this, at an earlier period, was usually the case), and hence, in lapse of time, it is possible that the tomb erected by Henry the Fifth to his mother's memory might have been, by mistake, appro­ priated to Constance, Duchess of Lancaster, from its having this ' image of brass like a quene on it,' John of Gaunt having, in her right, assumed the title of ' King of Castile and Leon.' And although the Countess of Derby died five years before her husband became King of England, her son, as he had her tomb ' ornamented with divers arms of the Kings of England,' might well, also, have had her image represented on her tomb ' like a queen.' " Henry the Fifth, both in our national annals and in popular estimation, has been renowned rather for dashing bravery, as a gallant leader of armies, and as ' The Hero of Agincourt,' than for gentleness of nature and tenderness of AND ARCH/EOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 317 heart; yet here, in thus causing to be erected, as one of the first acts of his reign, a splendid tomb over the remains of the mother whom he had lost twenty years before, when he was only some five or six years old, we certainly have a touching instance of filial piety and affection. " It is now, of course, quite impossible to say whether the tomb described as above by Leland as that of the Duchess of Constance was really that of Mary de Bohun (both of whom died and were buried within a day of each other); but, if not, it is certain that she is not represented by the alabaster tomb in Trinity Hospital, and which, if it did not belong to Isabel, Duchess of Lancaster, as believed by Mr. Bellairs, has yet to be appropriated to its rightful owner."]

November 20th, 1874. ME. JAMES THOMPSON, in the ehair. After the transaction of business in Committee, the following drawings, and antiquities were exhibited :— By the SOCIETY, Copies of thirty-three sheets of drawings—all to scale—made by Sir Henry Dryden, Bart., of the ground plan, elevations, sections, details, &c., of Wyggeston's Hospital, Lei­ cester, made in accordance with a resolution unanimously passed at a meeting of the Society, held on the 25th of May last. (See p. 253 of this volume.) The following list of the sheets will convey an idea of their contents :— 1. Elevation : N. E. Exterior. 2. Ditto S. W. Exterior. 3. Niches outside-chapel (Elevation and Section). 4. Plan of Upper Floor. 5. Ground Plan. 6. Details of Upper Dormitory. 7. N. E. Doorway of Domicile: Plan of Porch and details. 8. N. E. Porch, and Doorway of Chapel with details. 9. Windows : Faces, Sections and Plans. 10. Ditto. 11. Doorways into Kitchen with Plan. 12. Section of Cells looking North. 13. Section of Eoof of Wing. 14. Section through Entrance passage looking North. 15. Various details. 16. Section through Entrance passage looking N. (larger scale). 17. Wooden Turret, Bell, &c., &c. 818 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. 18. S. E. end of Chapel: Section through doors of Chapel looking N. W. 19. Shield, &c., over front door. 20. Upper Dormitories S. end looking N.W., ditto looking S.W. 21. S. W. Doorway of Domicile and plan : outer door in Wing and plan, &c. 22. Doors, &c., in Master's House, and details. 23. S. W. Door of Domicile upper floor, and details : Doorway into Kitchin ; upper floor and plan. 24. End Window of Chapel and details. 25. Side Windows of Chapel with details. 26. Lower Dormitories S. end, looking N.W.: do. looking S. W. 27. Section of whole building looking S. W. 28. Buttresses on S. W. side. 29. S. outside of Wing and Section through the N. Cells. 30. Compartment of Wing. 81. Buttresses on N. E. side. 32. Window in Wing, with details, plan, &c. 33. Porch of Chapel: do. of Domicile. These copies were carefully made for the Society by Mr. Tomlinson. The Chairman remarked that the drawings were so complete, that, by their aid, any competent architect could reconstruct Wyggeston's Hospital on the present site, were it taken down, without the omission of any feature. By MESSRS. W. H. AND ALFRED ELLIS. Eoman remains found at their lime-pits between Sileby and Barrow, near the site of former discoveries, including three ampullae, with handles, an ampulla without handle and with small bottom, three lamps of earthenware, fragments of green glass bottle, leaden cover of glass bottle, iron nails, and fragments of burnt bones. (Further particulars of this " find " will be found in the Annual Report for the current year on page 321). The Chairman stated that these discoveries were in continuation of the " find," made in 1867, of the articles now placed in the Town Museum, including three green glass bottles, several iron lamps, and an amphora, or wine jar, and other things. The specimens exhibited were found in a stone cist about two feet by one foot, and it occupied the centre of a'low circular stone wall, about fifteen feet by twelve feet in cir­ cumference ; indicating the former existence of a small tumulus over the remains. By MR. ALFRED H. PAGET : A number of encaustic tiles found in the flooring of All Saints' Church, Leicester. Altogether there were thirty-two entire tiles, with fragments, having upon them armorial and other devices, such as-royal heads (crowned), letters, monkeys, flowers, &c. Mr. Paget also exhibited portions of stained glass, taken from a window in the same church. EVINGTON PARISH EEGISTEES. 319 MR. NORTH contributed the following

NOTES ON EVINGTON (CO. LEICESTER) PARISH REGISTERS. THE Parish Registers are in several books. The earliest, or first, book commences in the year 1601. The entries for that and the three following years are in Latin; almost all the other entries are in English. There are fourteen pages, which comprise entries from 1601 to 1653. The book having been apparently restitched, the years do not follow each other in consecutive order. Portions have been cut away and portions obliterated; indeed the book has been, in past times, carelessly kept and badly used. The second book, which is also in an indifferent condition, commences January 29th, 1653-4. Under the date 1655 are the following entries : "A marriage intended to be had betweene Thomas Downes, ye son of John Downes, of Ilston, in ye county of Leicester, labourer, and Alice Burley, ye daughter of John Burley, of Evington, in ye said county, widdowe, was published three several times according to ye Act in that case j>vided, yt is Ap. 1, Ap. 8, Ap. 15, 1655. The aboves4 Thomas Downes and Alice Burley were marryed by Mr. Pochin Ap. 18, 1655." Again we find: " Marr: Thomas Goode, late of Oadby, Comi6 Leic. Tayler and Elizabeth Bayley, of Evington, single woman, after publication of their intended marriage in ye market place of Leic : 3 several dayes according to the Act were married before Thomas Beaumont, Esq., Justice of ye Peace, March ye 24, 1655." The date of birth is given as well as the date of baptism. Under the date 1661, and subsequently, banns are notified as being published " according to ye canen." In 1682 Thomas Weston signs as vicar. In 1689 Richard Southwell signs as minister. This book closes with entries on the outside of the cover dated 1694. The third book, which is in a good state, commences in 1695 and closes in 1731. Under the date 1701 is: "Ann, the daughter of John Jud, Jersey-comer, was buried July 20th, 1701." The more recent registers are, of course, well kept. There is a book belonging to Evington parish called the "Town Book," from which I make the following extracts : 1762. £• s. d. Dec. 25. Pd Tho. Berry for sticking the church at Christmas ...... 010 1763. Apr. 30. Pd Mr. Oldershaw for cureing Jack Harri- son ...... 0 10 6 820 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. 1762. .A £. B. d. May 28. Pd Edt. Sco for a hedgehog ...... 0 0 4 Sep. 30. Gave the Ringers at the King's Coronation 040 Nov. 6. Pd Wm. Chapman for a Fox ...... 0 1 0 „ 13. Pd for 48 hundred of Coals for ye poor ... 280 ,, 20. Pd for John Harrison being bound appren­ tice ...... 0 11 6 Gave his master at the same time ... 0 0 6 Pd for a hat and a pair of hose ... 0 2 4 1763. Dec : for sweeping leads & whipping dogs ... 0 5 0 1770. Apr. 23. Pd Dockter Villimes for anockalating 18 poor ...... 1 16 0 1774. Oct. 8. Pd for 2 sheets 6s. 6d., 2 blankets 4s., wool bed 5s. 6d., a shirt 3s. 9d., for Wm. Jonson ...... 0 19 9 1775. Aug. 26. Mary Snow for evening and cleaning Wm. Johnson close and feeding ...... 0 1 0 Dec. 12. Ale and charge at a parish meeting with a Poor woman Being 111 & Trublesome 066 1778. Pd John Peg to take his boy salt water ... 2 12 6 1784. (A frame was hired from Wigston for Page at a weekly rent of Is.) There are many payments in these years to those who had " no work," " when ill," " for nursing sick poor," and " sitting up." 1785. £. s. d. Nov. 23. Mr. Dalley for Inoculating 9 Poor ... Oil 3 This book (which comprises a few Churchwardens' Accounts) closes on the 14th May, 1788. At the end is a memorandum signed by eight parishioners that no horses, cows, sheep, &c., should be put upon the Common after eight o'clock in the evening or before six in the morning. Two waggon loads of coals were to be purchased by the parish and sold at Is. per cwt. to the poor: all breakers of hedges, &c., were to be prosecuted: any one neglecting to prosecute offenders was to be fined 5s., to be paid to the Constables for the use of the poor. REPORT FOR 1874. 321

January 25th, 1875. ANNUAL MEETING. MK. G. H. NBVINSON in the chair. After the transaction of business in Committee the Chairman read the following REPOKT FOR 1874, prepared by Mr. North (Hon. Sec.).

THE Committee of the Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society, beg to present their Report to the Members for the year 1874, just closed. In their last Report they recorded a grant made under exceptional circumstances towards the preservation and repairs of some early architectural features in the ancient Parish Church of St. Nicolas, Leicester. They now have to report that the two interesting early Norman clerestory windows on the north side of the nave, and the early Norman arcade within the lower portion of the tower, are open to view, and are very valuable examples of the work of that period. The General Summer Meeting was held in Leicester in September last, under the presidency of the Worshipful the Mayor (W. Kempson, Esq.). Owing partly to the excessively wet weather, and partly to a shorter notice to the general public than usual, the attendance was not so large as in previous years. At a morning Meeting held in the Guildhall—the proceedings of which were opened by an address from the Mayor—Notes were contributed by Mr. North " Upon the connection of the Pate family with Eye-Kettleby and Sysonby, Co. Leicester." After a discussion upon this Paper, and upon other matters brought before the meeting, those present visited the ancient churches of Leicester, under the guidance of Mr. Thomas Nevinson; and many of the chief points of archaeological interest under that of Mr. James Thompson. Major Bellairs raised some interesting questions, and pointed out many features of interest in the chapel of Trinity Hospital. At the second public meeting held in the evening a valuable paper by Mr. James Thompson, " The Rolls of the Mayors of Leicester," was read. The Rev. E. Tower also contributed " Richard Fowke's Ephemeris, or Thoughts on every day in the year, Notes on the Weather, itc., tic., 1811;" and the Rev. J. O. Picton delivered an extempore address on " The Suggestiveness of the Names of Places." The excursion on the following day was under the guidance of Mr. M. H. Bloxam, F.S.A., and embraced visits to the churches of Syston, Rearsby, Gaddesby, Ashby Folville, Twyford, Queniborough, and Barkby—a cluster of village churches as interesting to the ecclesiastical antiquary as any in Leicestershire. These churches were all described by Mr. Bloxam with his usual ability. At the bi-monthly meetings of the Society, the following Papers have been read: By Major Bellairs, two Papers, one upon some Roman coffins lately found in Leicester, and another upon Trinity Hospital, Leicester. By Mr. North, three Papers in further explanation of the subjects depicted upon the ancient stained glass referred to in the last Annual Report, and some Notes upon the Church Records of Evington. Amongst the objects of interest exhibited at those meetings may be mentioned some fragments of Roman pottery and glass—the latter of a rare character—found on the premises of Mr. Fielding Johnson, in Bond Street, Leicester, and shown by Mr. Paget, architect, and some further relics from Barrow-on-Soar, exhibited by Messrs. Ellis. It will be remembered that in the year 1867 an extremely valuable "find" of Roman glass vessels, Roman lamp-stands, and pottery, was reported to this Society by Mr. Alfred Ellis, as having been turned up at Barrow. The relics lately found were in close proximity to those then discovered, and consist of a large amphora, considerably damaged, but apparently as large as the fine one discovered in 1807. 322 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. It contained, when found, charred wood and ashes, with some iron nails in excellent preservation. Three umpullse (with handles) of light-coloured pottery in a group, and, near to them, three lamps of the same kind of earthenware, one of which was internally blackened by use. Another ampulla without handles, and a large glass vessel, similar to those discovered in 1KH7, with a lead cover, and containing calcined bones, constituted the interesting " find " reported by Messrs. Ellis. The whole of these relics were found in a cist about two feet by one foot, which occupied the centre of a space enclosed within a low circular wall of rubble Muuntsorrel granite about 15 feet by 12 feet, indicating the former existence—since levelled—of a tumulus or barrow. This had been so much lowered in process of time, that the relics were found not more than two feet from the present surface. The several small vessels were further protected separately by rude cists formed of thin limestone slabs. Several human skeletons were found much decayed. No coins were discovered. In their last Report your Committee referred to the efforts then being made to avert the threatened destruction of the ancient Hospital of William of Wyggeston in Leicester. During the past year those efforts have not been relaxed. What has been done, and with what result, may be gathered from the following Report of the Sub-Committee presented to the members generally at the bi-monthly meeting of the Society held in July last: " The Sub-Committee appointed at a meeting of the Committee of the Leicester­ shire Architectural and Archaeological Society, held on the 84th of November, 1873, to watch the steps then about to be taken by the Governors of the Wyggeston's Hospital and the Town Council, tending to the destruction of Wyggeston's Hospital, beg to present the following brief report of its proceedings:—At the meeting above named, held on the 21th November, 1873, the Society protested very strongly against the destruction of the hospital, and the consequent desecration of the chapel. " Your Sub-Committee held a meeting on the 28th of November, 1873, which was adjourned to the 2nd of December. At this meeting steps were taken to procure the proposal of u resolution at the then next meeting of the Governing Body of Wyggeston's Hospital Schools for the appointment of a Committee of that body, to enquire into the possibility of repairing and converting into use, in connection with the proposed new schools, that part of the Hospital lying parallel with the western side of S. Martin's Churchyard (including the chapel); such Committee to be empowered to obtain evidence on the subject, and to report thereon at a future meeting of the Governors. "At a meeting of your Sub-Committee held on the 15th December, it was reported that the Wyggeston School Board had appointed a Committee in con­ formity with the request just quoted; and also that a deputation had been appointed by the Board to wait upon the Endowed Schools Commissioners, but with what object was not known. " A draft of a letter to the Endowed Schools Commissioners was read, agreed to, and sent. This was formally acknowledged by the Secretary to the Commissioners under date of 16th December, 1873. " On the 17th December your Sub-Committee held another Meeting, at which the report of Mr. Goddard, architect, was received as to the present condition of the Hospital. Mr. Goddard reported that in his opinion a comparatively small outlay in judicious repairs would render the edifice sufficiently sound to last a great number of years. The meeting was then adjourned until the next day—18th December—when it was resolved that a copy of Mr. Goddard's report be sent to the governing body of Wyggeston's Schools with an explanatory letter. This was accordingly done. "The next meeting of your Sub-Committee was held on the 5th January last, when the reply of the Governing Body of the Wyggeston Schools to the above- mentioned letter and report was read. Their clerk, writing by direction of the Board, said ' The Governors have come to the conclusion that it is not desirable to endeavour to retain the old building and thus to disturb the arrangements made between the trustees of the Hospital and the Town Council.' The clerk then goes on to say that every care should be taken of monuments, cfce., within the chapel, and concludes with an expression of regret that necessity obliged the removal of the old building. REPORT FOR 1874. 323 11 Such being the answer, your Sub-Corn rnittee resolved to address the Bishop of the Diocese, requesting him to pause before giving his consent (should it be required by law) for the destruction of the Hospital and the probable disturbance of the interments. This was accordingly done. " On the 13th of January your Sub-Committee again met, when a courteous reply from the Bishop of the Diocese to their memorial to him, was read; and it was resolved that a memorial be presented to the Corporation of Leicester, requesting them to defer the widening of that part of the Peacock Lane in which the chapel of the Hospital stands until arrangements could be made for doing bo on the opposite side of the street. At a further meeting held on the 22nd June last, it was reported that the memorial just referred to had been drawn up and signed by a small number of the inhabitants of Leicester; but that before many signatures could be obtained, an advertisement appeared in the local papers stating that the materials of the whole of the houses and buildings belonging to the Wyggestou School Board, including the Hospital, would be sold by auction. This being the case, it appeared that it would be useless to proceed with the memorial. Afterwards, however, the Hospital itself was withdrawn from the sale, and it was privately but unofficially intimated that if a reasonable price was offered for the Hospital (exclusive of the wing running westwardly), the Governors of the schools might be induced to entertain the proposal. It was therefore resolved to coll a special meeting of the General Committee of the Society, on the 30th instant, to consider the possibility of making another effort to save the building from destruction. " This meeting of the General Committee was accordingly held on the 30th of June, at which it was resolved that an application be made to Wyggeston Hospital School Governors, requesting them to postpone the removal of the old Hospital with the view to afford this Society an opportunity of making an offer to them for its purchase, with or without the Master's House. A copy of this resolution was forwarded to the Clerk of the Governors of the Schools, who acknowledged its receipt, and stated that it would be brought before the Governors on the follow­ ing Wednesday. "Your Sub-Committee have finally to report that your Honorary Secretary has since received the following communication: ' 22, Friar Lane, ' Leicester, 9th July, 1874. ' Dear Sir,—I beg to enclose a copy of a resolution passed by the Governors of Wyggeston's Hospital School at their meeting yesterday, with respect to the application from the Archaeological Society. Yours truly, (Signed) A. H. BURGESS. • G. C. Bellairs, Esq., 1 The Newarke.' " That the Clerk be instructed to acknowledge the receipt of the letter from the Archaeological Society, and inform them that the removal of the old Chapel, Hospital, and Master's House will not be proceeded with at present, but that the Governors cannot hold out any expectation of their entertaining an application to purchase the buildings.'" The best thanks of the Society are due to the gentlemen forming the Sub- Committee, whose Report your Committee have now placed before yuu. Sir Henry Dryden, Bart., having visited in Leicester, and taken accurate working drawings of the Hospital, your Committee have, with his kind permission, secured correct copies for the use of your Society. Your Committee have finally to congratulate you upon the continued prosperity of the Society, and to solicit your hearty co-operation in its objects during the coming year. KESOLVED unanimously that the Report just read be adopted. The following Statement of Accounts for 1874 was next read : 324 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL

THE LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. TBEASUBEE'S STATEMENT, 1874. RECEIPTS. PAYHEHTS. 1874. - £. 8. d. 1874. £. Jan. 1. Balance from last February. account .. 60 7 6 Grant for Transactions .. 35 0 0 Dec. 31 Subscriptions and Engraving ...... I 6 e arrears received September. daring the year 89 11 0 Expenses of Leicester Meeting •18 9 6 Ditto Coventry Meeting, 1873, in part 4 6 10 November. Williamson, for Annual Volume .. . 32 3 6 Tomlinson for Drawings of Wyggeston's Hospital .. 8 8 Jewitt for "Reliquary" .. 9 14 December. Royal Archaeological In­ stitute .. 110 Rent of Room 500 Mr. Clarke, Printing, &c. 576 Advertizing 584 Postage and Sundries 0 18 4 Balance 84 16 11 £145 18 5 £145 18 5

1875.—Jan. 1. Balance in hand, £24 16s. lid. Examined and found correct, (Signed) ALFRED WHITBY. RESOLVED that the audited Statement of Acconnts be received and passed. RESOLVED that the Committee for the past year be reappointed with the omission of the name of the Bev. F. Sutton, who has left the County, and with the addition of that of Mr. Agar. RESOLVED that the officers of the Society be reappointed with the best thanks of the Society to them for their services. RESOLVED that the thanks of the Society be given to the mayor for the use of the Library for its meetings, and to the local press for the publication of the Reports of its proceedings. COLONEL KNIGHT exhibited two arrowheads found in Caernarvon Castle, and a puzzle-jug of wedgewood ware. MR. NORTH contributed the following DOCUMENT RELATING TO MELTON MOWBRAY, CO. LEICESTER. The following is a copy of a Document I found some years ago amongst some manuscripts belonging to Melton Mowbray, in this ,AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 325 county. As it is, I believe, an early specimen of a legal document in English, and is moreover a local curiosity, I think it worth placing on record by our Society: " This bylle In dentyed berys Wytnes betwyne John Harplay yeman off Mellton Mowbray on y6 ton parte and Wyllm bensson drag of ye same towne on ye toder parte, that y" for seyd John Harplay has lattyn a mys. and ye purtynas* up on ye bothe Kowe in Melton late John of...... to have and to holde to ye foreseyd Wyllm and his wyffe the teyrme of iij yer payn to y° for seyd John and his a synarsf xxd be ye yer. Also ye for seyd Wyllm to enture to ye Natyuete of seyn John battyste nexte foloyng after this wrytyng. Also y6 for seyd John to pay the lorde ye cheffe rent. And to make all maner Repacon w' in y6 space of ye forseyd teyrme. And iff it hapyn the fforseyd John to seyll hit he shall lat John A Owde (?) have knolege y"of. And ye forseyd Wyllm to have his teyrme aforre wry ten. In Recorde y'...... of John Aowde and John burton. And if ye forseyd John depte or y* the forseyd Wyllm enter then the forseyd Wyllm shall have ye sm of mony y* he payd or ells his bargyn As is specyfyde in a boke wryten of John A Owde (?) and by ye hande of John burton. " In Wyttnes yerof bery Recorde John Aowde of Melton & John burton y* they haffe seyt to y'r seylles In the yer of our lorde god A M XXXXLXXX & xv:" (Very little O of seal left.)

March 29th, 1875. THE REV. CANON POWNALL, F.S.A., in the Chair. The following gentlemen were elected members : Mr. Alderman Barfoot, and Mr. John Wade Wartnaby, both of Leicester. The following antiquities, &c., were exhibited : By the REV. T. FAKEBKOTHEB : A Black-letter Bible, date 1602. By the REV. CANON BUEFIELD : A lady's small engaged ring, found in Wanlip churchyard, five years since, in a grave at a depth of five feet. It bore an inscription in Old English characters, LAWS * * * PAKEM (the words divided by engraved flowers— one a forget-me-not.) I By the REV. CANON POWNALL : A small bronze bell, exhibited by the Rev. Canon Norman, rector of Bottesford, which was found at Bottesford, under the church tower, while it was undergoing re­ pair several years ago. It measured If inches in diameter, and about If inches in height. It was not very easy to conjecture for what * A messuage and the appurtenances. -f Assigns. 826 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL purpose it had been used ; but the bell will probably be described in Mr. North's forthcoming volume on Local Campanology. The tower of Bottesford Church, among the foundation stones of which it was found, is considered by Sir Gilbert Scott to be five hundred years old. By the REV. CANON POWNALL : An antique Norwegian silver ring, purchased at Drontheiin, last summer. To the upper part of the ring were affixed five little loops of silver, and to each loop was attached a very small thin plate of silver, somewhat heart-shaped, which dangled freely when the wearer of the ring moved his hand. The "dangles " on this ring were perhaps modern, but such were the usual and characteristic additions to the ancient Norwegian orna­ ments of silver. Upon the ring itself was an embossed pattern which though somewhat worn, still showed two serpents intertwined, two arrows crosswise, and two conventional palm or fir trees on either side. It requires special knowledge to determine the date of this ornament. By the REV. CANON POWNALL : Also, a Silver Coin of Offa, King of Mercia (756-96). Mr. Pownall remarked that the money of this Anglo-Saxon King is rare, even among Anglo-Saxon coins, and this particular piece may be regarded as unique, for the name of the moneyer, DEIMVND, which appears upon the reverse, has never before been published. On the obverse there is no "head" representing the king, but simply the words OFFA REX M (erciorum), in three lines. The coin may be considered to be a specimen of the mintage of the early part of his long reign ; those which were struck later are conspicuous in the Anglo-Saxon series for a sort of rude beauty of type, which at once distinguishes them from others. Misled, as I believe, by several of the Chronicles, and history founded on them, numismatists hitherto have been tempted to account for this excellence, by supposing Offa, during a visit to Rome towards the close of his reign, to have engaged the services of Italian workmen for the productions of his mint. This alleged journey to Rome depends on a statement in " The Flowers of History," by Roger of Wendover; and an account of it also appears in the anonymous "Lives of the two Offas," which is printed at the end of Watts' edition of Matthew Paris. Special reasons have occurred to make me question the story, and these I have communicated to the Numismatic Society in a recent Paper. I suspect the monk of St. Albans was led into a mistake (all the more easily, perhaps, because it was one which served his purpose) by confusing together Offa, King of Mercia, with Offa, King of the East Saxons, who did go to Rome, and there died in the early part of the eighth century. (Bede, Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.) That these two kings were confounded together in another instance is capable of proof. The causes which occasioned the superiority of Offa's money to any other of the period of the Heptarchy must be AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 327 sought, I therefore have ventured to assert, in some other way than in this fabulous journey. With us Englishmen of the nineteenth century Offa's name and fame still live, independent of monkish fable. They live in the names Offenham, Offchurcli; and notably in that well-known boundary line between England and Wales which the ordnance map delineates. Offa's dyke (Clawdh Offa) ran for a hundred miles over steep, across morass, from estuary of Dee to mouth of Wye, and marked out the Marches, while acting as a rampart against the Welsh. Important as the work was, it is, however, barely sufficient, as the remainder of a great king's work, to exhibit his greatness to us with all the consequence it deserves ; for with sovereign power over twenty-three counties Oifa fell short, but by a little, of becoming that which Egberht did become in the succeeding century—sole monarch of' England. Just now, however, when a proposal has recently been made to Parliament to erect St. Albans into a Bishop's see, it may be thought that in the foundation of its magnificent Abbey (Offa's act of expiation for the great crime of his life), we find at the present moment the most sensible connecting link between his reign and that of Queen Victoria. This coin is a silver penny, intrin­ sically worth not more than a few pence now, but remarkable for being the earliest penny we can point to in the English coinage. It was found, during the autumn of last year, in the neighbourhood of Wellingborough, in the county of Northampton. By ME. KELLY : A bronze thumb-ring bearing an ancient T with a coronet over it, found amongst rubbish brought out of the hall of Leicester Castle, during the alterations of that building nearly half a century ago. The REV. J. FISHER read a short paper upon a coat of arms assumed by the Leicestershire Club. After condemning the practice of adopting arms, either by private individuals or any Society, with­ out proper heraldic authority, a discussion arose as to the arms borne by the Mercian Kings, and Mr. Kelly read extracts from Planche's Pursuivant of Arms, and other books, showing that arms were not borne at that period. , A suggestion having been laid before the Society, that the old building known as Wigston's Hospital be converted into a branch of the Leicester Free Library, the meeting expressed an opinion in accordance with one of its avowed objects—the preservation of archi­ tectural remains in the town and county—that such a proceeding would afford great satisfaction to the Society, while being conducive to the interests of the Free Library. And the Society requested that this resolution be forwarded by the Corresponding Secretary to the Chairman of the Free Library Committee.

VOL. IV. 828 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

May 31st, 1875.

The REV. CANON POWNALL, F.8.A., in the Chair. A letter having been read from ME. NORTH (Hon Sec.) offering to make transcripts from some ancient manuscripts belonging to Melton Mowbray, for publication in the Transactions of this Society, it was RESOLVED, that it be left to Mr. North's judgment to make a selection from the transcripts he refers to, as proposed by him. The following gentlemen were elected members of the Society: Mr. Geo. H. Blunt, Hobart Street, Leicester; and Mr. H. E. Emberlin, Oadby. The following antiquities, &c., were exhibited : By CAPTAIN WHITBY, on behalf of Captain Grimston: Oval cornelian engraved with verses from the Koran, set in silver, as a portion of a woman's bracelet; also a charm; both being a small portion of loot, taken after the siege of Lucknow. A silver token of Younge and Deakin, Sheffield. Date 1811. By ME. AGAE : Copper plates from Ansley Hall, the residence of the late John Newdigate Ludford, Esq., D.C.L., used in illustrating Witherley, in Nichols' History of Leicestershire. By ME. G. H. NEVIXSON : The following articles from the site of the Blackfriars, Leicester, found in making a sewer from All Saints' Open to Sarah Street, April, 1875: Bronze—handle of a small vessel; ornament (perhaps a portion of a bracelet); Roman finger ring, of the key type, with square plate attached, nearly half- inch across, ornamented with a crescent pierced through the plate ; Roman coin and Abbey piece. Pottery—bottom of Samian ware bowl, with potter's mark " PATRICI M.," also a Tradesman's Token found at Cambridge, dated 1666. By ME. T. NEVINSON : Brass seal, mediaeval, found at Knighton, near Leicester, it bore a rudely carved figure with a full face and surrounded by a legend of which only the letters S (igillum) N . . . COPI ...... could be deciphered; the whole was rough and coarse in execution. By Mr. G. H. NEVINSON (exhibited for Captain Palmer, Withcote Hall): An ancient illuminated MSS. on vellum, purchased at the sale of the late Mr. J. Gough Nichols, relating to the Monastery of S. Andrew, Olverston, with S. Andrew on the cross in the initial letter. This manuscript was too much worn and torn to be read. By the REV. CANON POWNALL (for Captain Ashby, Naseby): A Roman ring in heavy gilt setting; said to have been recently found near Wolverhampton. The stone was probably a cornelian : but, owing to the action of some substance in the earth where it MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN EECOBDS. 329 lay buried, its polished surface was a little corroded. The heads of the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) were incised upon the stone, two profiles; and above the two heads were two stars denoting the divine honours which the brothers had assigned to them. Also, for the Rev. F. Richardson : Penny (silver) of Edward the Confessor A.D. 1042-66, found recently at Belgrave when a grave was being dug in the churchyard. It read on the obverse EDPARD REX, and bore the King's bust, to the left, filleted, and carrying a sceptre. On the reverse there was a cross, of which the limbs gradually expanded issuing from a circle or circles. This was type V of Hildebrand (Hawkins xvii. 219, Ruding xxiv. 1, 3). It was probably the last of the earlier types of the Confessor's reign. The legend on the reverse is the moneyer's name, SEPINE (P standing for our W), and the mint was probably that of Canterbury. Sewine also struck coins at London, Wilton, and Exeter. By the REV. CANON BURFIELD : A Hebrew coin purporting to be a shekel of the time of the Maccabees; it was really a forgery, probably of the seventeenth century. By MB. HUNT : A sword of the seventeenth century, and a George the First halfpenny, date 1723.

MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. BY THOMAS NORTH, F.S.A.

IN accordance with a Resolution passed at a Meeting of the Leicestershire Architectural and Archaeological Society, held on the 31st of May, 1875, I now lay before the members copies of, or extracts from, certain Manuscripts and Documents belonging to Melton Mowbray, which I was courteously allowed to inspect some years ago. In doing so I will simply add a few words of explana­ tion where such appear necessary, but will generally allow the Documents to tell their own tale. I trust that this contribution —in addition to those I have already communicated to this Society from the same source*—will be found useful in elucidating the past history of the town. The first series of Extracts relate to THE TOWN ESTATE. Although the Town appears to have possessed some property at an earlier date, it was at the period of the Reformation, and • " The Constables of Melton Mowbray in ihe time of Elizabeth;" " The Ancient Schools of Melton Mowbray;" "Extracts from the Churchwardens' Accounts of Melton Mowbray;" " The Church Guilds of Melton Mowbray" &c., dsc. 330 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. during a few years subsequently, that its possessions were largely augmented; and that not without considerable difficulty, and some self-denial on the part of the leading townsmen of that time. The earliest purchase on behalf of the Town that I have met with has been already referred to by me in a short Paper on " The Church Guilds of Melton Mowbray." It was that of " the Spyttell Chappell" and a close of laud—once the property of the Guild of S. Mary—which had been granted, upon the suppression of Guilds and Chantries, by Letters Patent of Edward VI. to William Gyles and Michael Purefey; from them it had passed to Christopher Draper, who afterwards sold it to Nicolas Cowlishaw, who pur­ chased it on behalf of the Town of Melton. The transaction, as I have already traced in the Paper referred to, is thus shown in the Townwardens' Accounts: [1549.] A" 1549. Itffi paid by Nicolas Collishaw to Cristor. Draper of london, the xxj day of Novembre ffor a pseill of land with apprtnances lately called the Chappill house in Melton bought to the Town of Melton use...... xxjM. Itffi pd to Mr. Cartlyn ffor makyng the writynge ffor assurance ...... xjs. viij<2. Ilm pd to Nicolas Colishawe ffor his charges to london and abowt the seid bussinesse ...... xx«. About this time, as will be shown hereafter, when extracts from the Townwardens' Accounts are given, the Town received rents from "the chapyll close," a house in "churche lane," "ye chapyll chamb1," " Rotten row," and " Spetyll Lees." The most important purchase, however, made by the Town at that time, was that of " The Spinnies," which calls for a more detailed account. The Monastery of Lewes, in Sussex, possessed, before its dissolution, the Advowson of Melton Mowbray, and with it this property known as " The Spinnies," which, I presume, belonged to the church, but the rents of which the Monastery took, appointing a Vicarius or Vicar to the cure. Upon the Dissolution of Religious Houses by Henry VIII., the Spinnies were granted to Thomas Lord Cromwell, Earl of Essex, and were in his possession until he was attainted and convicted of high treason in 1540. We are told that the rents were then given by the King for the maintenance of his repudiated wife, Anne of Cleves, and that at her death they again reverted to the crown. It appears from the documents still existing that the Spinnies were at that time leased to the Christopher Draper, Alderman of London, already mentioned, who sublet them to the Town of Melton, and that " Spinneywardens " were appointed by the Town to receive the monies for pasturage of cattle, and to make the necessary payments for rent and other outlays. There are several accounts of these Spinneywardens still preserved, from which a MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN RECORDS. 331 few quotations may be made: the earliest I have seen is dated 26th April, 1 Edward VI. There were, however, Spinneywardens prior to that date, but I do not find their accounts. In that year Thomas Hudson and John Rouse were wardens. They credit their account with £10 8s. received for pasturage of cattle, &c. The payments were for various necessary things in small sums and for [1547.] It' pd for the Speny rent...... iijK. \js. viijd. In "A°m iiiij Ivj," when Thomas Pyne and Christopher Shyres were Spinneywardens, the receipts amounted to £8 9s. 4d., and the payments to £6 9s. 2d.; amongst the latter were charges for the repair of the Pinfold and [1556.] Imprimis payd to Mast? Cristofer Drap for y» hole yerea rent of the Spenys ...... iijii. vjs. viijd. In the next year (that is, from Lady Day, 1556, to Lady Day, 1557), when Eobert Odam and Hugh Spencer were wardens, the receipts (including the sale of several acres of " thorns ") amounted to £10 12s. 2d. They not only paid the rent as usual to Mr. Draper, but they charge : [1557.] Itffi for a quarte of sacke & a quarte of clarytt to give Mr. Draper when we pd his rent ...... ixd. Their payments amounted to £9 14s. 5d. There is also an account of the wardens for the following year, ended Lady Day, 1558, in which we find : [1558.] Pd to Mast' gyles ffor conveyinge y" rent to london to Mast1 Drag ...... viijd. And in 1559: [1559.] Reseved of Mastar Allderman Drag for mylne homes .... xs. By Deed Poll, dated 21st July, 1564, Queen Elizabeth gave and granted (amongst other estates therein mentioned) these lands called "the Spynneys" to Eichard Robson; and it was in that year, and from that grantee, that the Town purchased them. There is, amongst the documents which passed through my hands, a Draft Conveyance, dated the 3rd of November in the sixth year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth (1564), and made between this Richard Robson, described as of London, gentleman, of the one part, and Christopher Whitehead and Richard Trafford, of Melton, gentlemen, and Hugh Lacy, of Melton Mowbray, yeoman, of the other part, whereby he, Richard Robson, in consideration of one hundred pounds paid by Whitehead and the others, conveyed to them " all that his lands meadows and pastures with the appurtenances situate in Melton Mowbray afore­ said called the Spinneys, parcel of the lands and possessions of the 882 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. late Monastery of Lewes, in the County of Sussex, and afterwards parcel of the possessions of Thomas Lord Cromwell, late Earl of Essex, of high treason attainted and convicted. All which the said lands &c. the said Bichard Kobson late had to him and his heirs and assigns, amongst other things, of the gift and grant of our said Sovereign Lady the Queen's majesty that now is, as by her grace's letters patent thereof made, bearing date at West­ minster, the 21st day of July in the sixth year of her reign, more fully does appear." The following is a copy of the account relating to this purchase on behalf of the Town : it is endorsed : Melton The towne Reoonyng [1565.] This is the Reconyng and Accompt of us Rycbard Trafford & Heugh Lacy for all suche monys as came to our hands for the purchasse of the Spynnys. And also for the wood soulde out of the said Spynnys in A° 1504 w"1 the lordes money at Wyttsontyde A° 1562 as herew"1 in yt dothe more playnly appere Then follow receipts of money from various persons amounting to £154 Is. Itm I charge me more Rd of my sonne Thorns Trafford wch he gathered of the Towne and Countrie being the lorde at Whitsondaye 1562 ...... liij*. iiij

* Baynard's Castle atood near the present Blackfriars' Bridge immediately below S. Paul's. It was built by Kalph Baynard, a companion of William in Ms conqaeat of England. Henry VIII. expended large sums in turning the fortress into a palace. He frequently lodged there : Queen Elizabeth once supped there. The Earls of Shrewsbury afterwards occupied the Castle, and resided there until it was burnt in the Great Fire. + Most probably Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Master of the Horse to the Queen. 334 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

[15f!5.] vnto his Mr. John Draper by him for the full Rest of his Interest & lease thut he hadde in the Spynnys ...... v>. Itfll we discharge vs owing by Robt Ryddyer for woodde .. xij«. iiijd. Itfll we discharge vs delyvered vnto Walter Shepward bayly of Melton out of the woodde monye sm ...... vM. I tin we discharge vs more owing vnto Mr. Swyft at whose hands we Rd our ffrendly pticuler his paynes & goodnes as yet not consyderid & s'tayneof us in bond by p'mes to see him pleased to knowe yor plesure what you will give him. Sin Tou of this our hole discharge as heretofore apperith sm ...... j° iiij» iijli. xj«. vijrf. ob. So Rest dew to me Rychard Trafford viijK. xix». iiijd. by Reason my discharge excedith my charge sm viijM. xix8. iiijd. This Accompt was vewid thands of Robart Odham for vs and in o* absence the xxv" day of niche Anno 1565 ...... xxxvs. xrf. Item we delivered vnto John Draper the seyd xxv" day of niche towardes the redemyng of the wholle interest that he hathe in the Spinneyes Sffia ...... xxxiijfi.* Payd more vnto ye seid John Draj> the xvj tb of May for the determinacon of the full payment for the lease of the Spinneys sm ...... vijh'.« Item pd to [several men] for mending the waetering place in the Spinneys for one dayes worke & fynde theyr sellves at viijrf. the day...... ijs. Total Discharge IjZi. xvijs. xd. The money for the payment of the Spinneys was raised by a contribution from the inhabitants, the scale being " for everye beaste to be kepte iijs. iiijd. and for everye follower xxd;" by leasing some of the Town lands for small rents, »nd taking a fine; and by borrowing. The following Account shows the heavy expenses the Town was put to, at the time now under notice, with regard to the Town Lands. * John Draper's receipt for £40 " in full satisfaction of £100 due to me in consideration of a bargain by me made with Walter Shepherd, Bailiff, of Melton and other inhabitants of Melton the last of Novr lust for my lease & whole interest of certain pastures called the Spinneys" is extant among the papers belonging to Melton. MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. 335 [15B6 to Thaocompt of vs Rich* trafford and Hewgh lacie for all 1570.] such somes of money as we have Rd of the towne of Melton And pd for the Suts & affayres of the same towne from the first daye of May A° 150B vntill this p'sent xviij'h of februarie Anno 1570 as heareafter w^in more att large may apeare. The receipts amount to £79 7s., chiefly received by the above townsmen in London by the hands of Christopher Whitehead. The first receipt is Imp'mis Rd of Willm taylor Lord att Easter A° 1567 ... .xxxviijs. Discharge: Itm pd for a |> of boots ...... iiijs. Itm for or chargs vp to London & shewing or horses being iij persons sm ...... xijs. ij<2. Itm pd to Mr. Hunt & Mr. Anderson for j e making of the conveyance of the Spinnies from vs Xpor whithed Riod trafford & Hewgh Lacie Sm ...... xls. Itm pd for or meat & drink att London for xviij dayes being iij persons sm ...... liiijs. Itm for or horsmeat there att xijd. the horse day i night.. xlvs. Itm to too attorneyes one in Mr. fanshaw his office tliother in Mr. osborne his office ...... vjs. viijrf. Itm for the retayning of a counceller...... xs. (More expenses to and at London in Midsummer Term.) Itm for Searching the books in thexcheker for the Retorne of the towne laud by one lucas & vnydall Mr. Hunt being there p'sent sm ...... vs. Itm for Suying forth a comission & too Supersidions & a writt wth a warrand sm ...... xxiijs. vj of the seale att the same time sm.... vjs. viijd. Itm pd for a box for the comission ...... iiijd. (Many charges for expenses in London, Michaelmas Term.) Itm for or commons & or horsmeat from loudou to Melton being thre persons ...... xiiijs. Itm to thre councellers for their councell & fees ...... xxxs. Itm for Releasing of one Mr. Sarnon and Mr. Ardern being both bound for the towne lands of Melton in too Severall obligations...... xxvjs. viijd. Itm pd for sewing forth an Alination and a license by Reason of an Intrusion put and enformed agaynst vs in thexcheker Iiijs. iiijd. Itm pd for the releasing of vs Willm lane Hewgh lacie Hewgh Elwood and Ricd trafford for y* we were bound to make answer to the queues maues councell for ye hole Rent of or townes lands w411 the arrerages y' could be found from the first day of the Statute sm ...... Iiijs. iiijd. Itm pd for making a supplication to the covncell for y* we could not bring o* matter into the countrye by reason of the Queries Attorney & Solliciter ...... xiijs. iiijrf. Itm pd to one Mr. Marwood for ye deliverie of or suppli­ cation & opening the matter att the barr. And also for soliciting or matter in the court from the tenth of October vnto the last day of the terme sm ...... iiijK. Itm pd to Mr. fanshawe bis man being the boke bearer.... ijs. Itm pd to the crier of the court att sondry times ...... iijs. iiijd. Itm pd to Mr. Marwood his man for making c'tayne bills iijs. iiijd. Itm geven to Mr. Ansley in consideration of his paynes & frendshipp sm ...... iijK. Itm pd to his man in his office ...... iijs. iiijd. 336 LEICESTERSHIBE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. [150(1 to Itfll pd to his chamberlayne sin ...... v«. 1570.] Itfli pd to the keper of ye (lore in bis office...... iij>. iiijd. Itfli pd to Mr. fanshawe for his fees out calling Eyther for Rent or Arrerages vutill or matter were judged & ended sfil ...... iiijK. Itfii pd for the making of o* exemplification ...... x». ijd. Itfii pd for the copie of the same for to remayne in the court sffi...... us. ijd. Itfli pd for the sealing one of them that we brought downe sfli ...... ij». vjd. Itfii for tbenrolling of the same & drawing downe into the great pipe called magna rotula sin ...... xv». Itfii pd fur entring the same into master fanshavr his booke sin ...... xjs. ijd. Itfii pd for the Returning of one comission wth an inquisition wch we reseaved from the hands of Mr. Willm Digbye of Welbe esquire for the verdit of xii men te Power Thomas Dieycott Willm Faukes Henrie Neale Clement Crowe Thomas Myles Rafe Perkinson John Teylor & two cottages theire together lyinge nowe in the severall tenures of James Ley & George Cinnas one cottage with the appurtenances in the same street called the Spittlegate in the tenure_of the son of the said Willm Trigge one other cottage w th the appurtennces in the same streete in the tenure of James Powley one House theire late called the Spittle Chappie in the tenure of Kobert Howilen & Addam Wilde George Stepens & Willm Hickson & two other cotages adjoyninge in the tenure of John Cooper & James Pooley thappurtenncs there nere unto the highe crosse nowe in the tenure of Galfrye Callys one ley & a pece of Lande called a ley & a balk lyinge in a croft there nowe inj,he tenure of Dorothye Burye one messuage or tenement wth thappur­ tenncs there in a certeyne street called the Kinge Street w"> all Lands meadowe pasture feedinges woode & underwoode w" all & singular thappurtenncs in the tenure of Jane Meashire widowe one closse in the water lane there nowe in the tenure of the foresaid Richard Mitton two shillings rent yearly goinge out of one pece of meadowe in the fild of Melton Mowbrey aforesaid nere unto scalford fild called Davy Hooke in the tenure of Alice Cant widdowe one pece of Land in the South field of Melton Mowbrey aforesaid late called S' Johns Wonge* Conteyninge n'ftie seven lands & thi-ee leys w" ther holmes nowe in the tenure of the foresaid Roger Chantler three wongs in the Northfild of Melton Mowbray aforesaid in a certeyne place there called Westdale lately called S' John's Wongest Conteyninge fiftde three Landes with theire holmes & gresse to the same belonginge at the'est ende thereof in the tenure of Michaell Bentley Willm Peate & Thomas Bruche Five shillings rent yerely payde out of the Lande late in the tenure of John Tollington in the fildes of Sysonby in the Countie aforesaid four shillings rent yerely paid out of the Lande in the filds of Sysonby aforesaid nowe or late in the tenure of Richard Townesend divers Lands lyinge in the fildes of Melton Mowbray aforesaid at Oleby{ Stye now in the tenure of Thomas Blyth one litle shope on the north side the rounae table in Melton Mowbrey aforesaid nowe or late in the tenure of Walter Wormell or his assignesfifteene Landes in the fildes of Melton Mowbrey aforesaid nowe or late in the tenuure of the said Walter Wormell or his assignes sixpence rente yerely goinge out of one closse in Oleby aforesaid late Robte Thorpe's nyne shillings rent yerely to be taken & paide out of five Cotages nowe maide into three Cotages of Thomas Chauncey alias Gyles gent in Melton Mowbrey aforesaid in a certeyne place there called rotten rowe in a certeyne streete there called Eygate§ nyne shillinges rent yerely goinge out of certeyne Landes late jjcell of the possession of the monastery of Kirby Bellars as by the same Deede of Feofment playnly appeareth. * A norwards called Simon's Close. + Atevwnrds called Shamble Hole. * Welby. i Eyegate i.e. leading to the river Eye—afterwards oalled Black Street, then Back Street, now Leicester Street. MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN RECORDS. 839 Then follows "the plain declaration and setting forth of the very true intent and meaning of the employment of all and every the premises and making of the said Deed of Feoffment and executing of the same to the said persons therein nominated and mentioned." Most of the covenants then entered into have since been altered, or have been abrogated by the enclosure of the open fields and by other circumstances.* [1628.] By Indenture of Feoffment dated 1st April, 1628, Nathaniel Lacey, George Bury, and Bryan Withers, described as the surviving Trustees of the Town Estate, transferred the same to William Sergyant, Thomas Sergyant, Wm. Lane, Andrew Lacey, Thomas Cloudesly, Martin Wormwell, John Lovington, Thomas Wormwell, and Richard Levitt, to hold the same for the public and general use of the whole town of Melton Mowbray, and the in­ habitants thereof, part in wages and maintenance of a School Master for the said Town, and the residue in other public uses for the said Town and the inhabitants thereof and in the discharge of the Town charges.! [1707.] By Indenture bearing date the 5th of December, 1707, Sir Richard Levitt Knight, and Peter Sergyant, therein named as the last surviving Trustees of the Town lands and Tenements did grant and release the same by direction of certain inhabitants and owners of land therein named unto Wm. Waite, Doctor in Physic, Simon Stokes, John Reeve, Benjamin Hill, Gentlemen, Guy Palmer, John Lambert, jun. Apothecaries, John Stokes, jun. Woollen Draper, Thomas Marriott, Mercer, Henry Blankley, Maltster, Wm. Smith, Framework-knitter, Wm. Westbrooks, Baker, and Thos. Farren, Dyer, as new Trustees of the Town Estate, upon Trust, among other things, to allow the Spinneys and Orgar Leys to be a free Beast or Neats Pasture for all and every the inhabitants of Melton Mowbray, according to a rate or sessment there laid down. The new Trustees and the Townwardens were to act in such order and sort as they with John Stokes, Sen., John Lambert, Sen., John Marriott, Peter Rollinson, Seth Hose, Thomas Beecroft, James Fowkes, Patricius Matchett, Matthew Browne, James Durrance, Henry Watchorne, and Roger Lambert, all inhabitants of Melton, or the major part of them, should think meet and convenient. From a Schedule or TerrarJ annexed to this Deed we learn that the

» From attested copy in " Town Estate Documents." f Quoted in " Information in Chancery," transcribed in " Town Estate Documents." J In this Terrar are these names of streets, &c.: King Street; Shamble Hole (heretofore S. John's Wong in the North Field of Melton); Spittle End; Green Dragon Ale-house in Spittle End; Booth Row; Cock Ale-house in the Beast Market; Thorpe End; Ankle Hill in the South Field of Melton; Round Table over against King Street; Water Lane commonly called Smelley's or Blankley's Lane ; S. John's Wong in the South Field now called Simon's Close; Chappel Close; Spinney Mill Holmes now known as Raven Holme; Church Lane; Eye-gate or Black Street; and Merridine Street. 840 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. annual rents then amounted to £77 12s. as " great rents" and £1 9s 4d. " Chief Rents," exclusive of the free pasturage of the Spinneys and Orgar Leys enjoyed in common by the inhabitants of the Town.* [1744.] By Indenture dated 4th July, 1744. Wm. Smith, Thos. Marriott, and Thos. Farren, the surviving Trustees under the Deed last quoted, dated 5th December, 1707, transferred the Lands &c., mentioned in the Terrar annexed to that Deed to Samuel Perkins, Doctor of Physic, Wm. Eeeve, Edwd. Stokes, Gentlemen, Thomas Crane, Anthony Wadd, Yeomen, Wm. Dawson, Woollen Draper, Thos. Smith, Hosier, Wm. Hose, Ironmonger, Robert Bright, John Bright, Blacksmiths, Thos. Wetherell, Gardener, and Wm. Worrall, Barber, as new feoffees, upon the same Trusts and according to the same rate or sessment as regarded the Spinneys and Orgar Leys as those contained in the last mentioned Deed. The new Trustees and the Townwardens were to act in such order and sort as they with Robert Judd, Wm. Burstall, Wm. Brown, John Rollinson, Thomas Hose, James Fowkes, John Simpson, James Durrance, the younger, John Allat, the younger, Thomas Allat, Wm. Underwood, and Roger Lambert, all inhabitants of Melton Mowbray, or the major part of them, should think meet and convenient.f [1760.] In this year an Act was obtained for the enclosure of the open and common Fields,—then containing 2431 acres—in the parish; and the Commissioners appointed therein, by their Award, dated the 16th of July, 1761, awarded to Thomas Crane, William Reeve, and others, as Trustees for Melton Mowbray town Lands, three pieces or parcels of ground therein particularly des­ cribed, containing together 143 acres 2 roods and 33 perches, as the proportion of the Trustees in the then Common Fields and Common Pastures.! [1775.] By Indenture, dated 17th May, 1775, Wm. Reeve, Edward Stoke, and John Bright, the only surviving Trustees under the Deed dated 4th July, 1744, after reciting previous Indentures, the Enclosure Act, and the Award, so far as they related to the Town Lands, transferred the property belonging to the Town, of which a detailed description is given, unto Joseph Noble, Mercer, Wm. Reeve, the younger, Edward Stokes, the younger, gentlemen, Seth Hose, Surgeon and Apothecary, Wm. Hill, Matthew Simpson, Graziers, Edward Bright, Ironmonger, Robert Judd, William Garner, Butchers, and Wm. Keal, Baker, all inhabitants of Melton, upon the Trusts therein named. In this Deed the following occurs with regard to the Spinneys and the Orgar Leys so frequently mentioned in these notes. * Attested copy in " Town Estate Documents." f Attested copy in " Town Estate Documents." t A Copy of the Award is preserved in the Magistrates' Room at Melton. MELTON MOWBRAiT TOWN RECORDS. 341

AND WHEREAS the said Commissioners have in and by their said Award or Instrument in writing set out divided and allotted all those several pieces and parcels of Land hereinbefore recited and called by the several names of the Spinneys and Orgar Leys and which were part of the said Common Fields and Common Pastures unto the several persons therein named as their several and respective specific!* parts and shares as Proprietors of the same Fields and Common Pastures in lieu and in Compensation of their several respective Estates and Interests they respectively had therein by reason and means whereof the several Trusts and Agreements mentioned and comprized in the said hereinbefore recited Indenture of the 14th of January in the forty second year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth respecting the said several pieces and parcels of Land called the Spinneys and Orgar Leys are thereby now determined and become absolutely void to all intents and purposes whatsoever."* [1786.] In this year, as will be shown hereafter by extracts from the Town Minute Book, great dissatisfaction was felt and expressed as to the management of the Town Estate; it was alleged that the Town had suffered considerable loss at the Enclosure, twenty-six years previously, of the open fields in consequence of the Spinneys and Orgar Leys being returned and allowed to pass as common lands, whereas they were the private property of, and had been paid for by, the Town, and so ought not to have been divided up with the open fields amongst the several owners ; that the houses and lands belonging to the Town were underlet; that the Deeds and other Records belonging to the Town were not forthcoming; and other and very serious charges were made against the then Trustees or Feoffees of the Town Estate. A Caset detailing the circumstances was submitted to Counsel— Mr. Josiah Brown, of Chancery Lane—and his opinion given on the 15th of May, 1787. Shortly afterwards a Bill was filed in Chancery, a detailed statement of all the circumstances being drawn up by the Attorney-General, and addressed to the Lord High Chan­ cellor, at the relation of Robert Wartnaby and Francis Ward, on behalf of other inhabitants of the Town.} As will be seen from the extracts to be shortly given from the Town Minute Book, this Bill was eventually withdrawn before the case came on for hearing, and a new Deed of Settlement, dated 9th October, 1793, was executed, by which new Trustees were appointed and various important regulations laid down for the future management of the Estate. [1793.] By this Deed, dated 9th October, 1793, Wm. Reeve, Edward Stokes, Seth Hose, Wm. Hill, Matthew Simpson, Edward Bright, Robert Judd, and Wm. Garner, the surviving Trustees under the last Deed of Settlement, transferred the Town Lands and Tenements unto James Parke, Gentleman, Samuel Caldecott, Gentleman, Charles Latham, Gentleman, Richard Inett, Grazier,

* Attested copy in " Town Estate Documents " t A Copy is in " Town Estate Documents." } A Copy of this is preserved in the Book labelled " Town Estate Documents." 842 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Robert Hind, Currier, David Kendall,-Grazier, Benjamin Linney, Surgeon, Wm. Underwood, Hosier, Andrew Carpendale, Mercer, and Kichard Boyfield, Ironmonger. After reciting the Indenture dated 14th January, 42nd Elizabeth, referring to " divers good Conveyances and assurances;" reciting the Indenture dated 4th July, 18 George 2nd (1744); the Enclosure Act and the Award; and the Indenture dated 17th May, 1775, it thus notices the disputes to which reference has just been made:— AND WHEREAS divers disputes having arisen between the Inhabitants of the said town of Melton Mowbray it the last mentioned surviving Feoffees of the said Town estate touching the management thereof an information was some time in the year 1787 exhibited in the High Court of Chancery by hia Majesty's Attorney General at the relation of some of the Inhabitants of the said Town against the said last mentioned then surviving Feoffees of the said Town Estate complaining of the conduct of such said surviving Feoffees in the management of the said Town Estate & for the purpose of regulating the future management thereof & certain proceedings were had in the said suit for that pnrpose but before the same came on to be heard viz on the 34th day of May 1790 a General Meeting of the Inhabitants of the said Town of Melton Mowbray was held at the New Room or Town Hall thereof for the pnrpose of taking into consideration the propriety of proceeding in or relinquishing the said suit when it was (among other things) resolved and agreed that all further proceedings in the said suit should be stayed and that a new Deed of Feoffment should be settled by two Council the one of them to be named by the said William Reeve party to these presents & the other of them by James Parke of Melton Mowbray aforesaid Gentleman And it was also agreed that immediately previous to the execution of such new Deed the said information should be withdrawn or dismissed & that the cost attendant thereon should be settled by the said two Counsel. After reciting that two Counsel had been chosen who had settled and approved of the present Deed, the transfer of the Town Estate was made to the new Trustees in the usual legal form, upon Trust that two Townwardens should be chosen yearly and every year by the Trustees and the Inhabitants or the major part of them; which Townwardens should have power to sue and plead in any Court for the Trustees or the survivors of them; that the Townwardens should from time to time let the premises belonging to the Town or any part thereof from year to year, or for a term of years, and receive the rents and profits of the said Estate, to be employed to the use of the whole Inhabitants of the Town, in such order and sort as the said Trustees and Inhabitants or the major part of them as should be assembled in the Town Hall of Melton, in pursuance of a public notice to be given for that purpose in the Parish Church of Melton Mowbray, by the Trustees or the major part of them, or by twelve or more of the Inhabitants, at least fourteen days before such meeting should think meet and convenient; that the Townwardens should have the yearly disposing and putting out of such common stock of money for the Town as should happen to be. MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN RECORDS. 348 Provisos follow that the Town wardens should, before "they meddle" with the estate or stock of money, give security; that they should render a just and true account upon the election of new Wardens; that the Trustees should, when the major part of them be dead or cease to live in the parish, upon the request of twelve or more of the chiefest inhabitants, there make new con­ veyances and assurances of the Town Estate unto the survivors of them residing within the parish, and unto other the inhabitants there, making together twelve in number of the best estimation as should be nominated and appointed by such surviving Trustees and the inhabitants, or the major part of them, as should be assembled in the Town Hall, in pursuance of public notice given in the parish church at least fourteen days before such meeting; and Lastly it was provided that any controversy or doubt that might arise amongst the Trustees and inhabitants, or any of them, should be appeased and determined at all times by the Trustees and inhabitants, or the major part of them, in public meeting assembled, in the Town Hall, in pursuance of a notice given in the parish church at least fourteen days before the holding of such meeting. This Deed, after being sealed and delivered, was " Inrolled in the Court of our Sovereign Lord the King himself at Westminster of the Term of St. Michael in the 35th year of King George the 3rd and in the year of our Lord 1794." * [1826.] By Indenture dated 7th February, 1826, Seth Hose, James Parke, Samuel Caldecott, Charles Latham, and Andrew Carpendale, transferred the Town Estates (under the Conditions Trusts and Provisos of the last quoted Deed) to Thomas Clarke, Gentleman, Thomas Fowler, Surgeon, Edward Bright, Ironmonger, Henry Hind Brown, Currier, Thomas Black, Grazier, David Wall, Draper, James Thomas Bishop, Gentleman, William Hall, Wine Merchant, and Eobert Judd, Draper, to be the new Trustees in conjunction with James Parke, Samuel Caldecott, and Charles Latham (Seth Hose and Andrew Carpendale resigned on account of advanced age), the surviving acting Trustees under the previous Deed of Settlement.t Other appointments of new Feoffees have been made from time to time as necessity arose, some slight alterations were made in the Town Estate about the year 1826 under an Act of Parliament, and a slight addition has recently been made, but I believe the Town Estate and its management continue much as they were settled under the important Deed dated 9th October, 1793, previously quoted. The Town Estate of Melton Mowbray at the present time consists of about 230 acres of land and a house, which produce about £880. per annum, to which may be added about £210. from Market Tolls, Town Estate and Manorial Chief Eents, &c., making an Annual Eevenue of about £1100. Of this about £390. is at * Attested Copy in " Town Estate Documents." t Ibid. z VOL. IV. 844 LEICESTEESHIEE ABCHITECTUEAL SOCIETY. present expended upon Elementary Education, and £310. upon lighting the town with Gas. The remainder is dealt with from time to time for the benefit of the town as occasion requires. Many more details about the Town Estate, and much relating to the local government and the growth of the Town, will be gathered from the extracts I next give from a Minute Book, and afterwards from the Townwardens' Accounts, as -well as from a few other ancient documents. There is a book belonging to the Townwardens marked on the back TOWN EECOEDS . 1575.

It is, however, a Minute, or Vestry, Book of the Parish, and its contents may not inaptly be called THE ANNALS OF MELTON. A°1575. A°1577. A°1580. There are various memoranda under these dates as to letting the Spinnies, &c. 1582. [1582.] Ma That the nyne and twentie daye of April] ano dm 158- Edwarde Pate Esquyer and Willm Hartoppe gent, at the requeste of Tbo. Chauncey al's Gyles came to the Towne of Melton Mowbrey and then or there vppon the metinge of all or moste parte of the Inhabitants w' in The churche of the same towne did move them ffor the repayringe and amendinge of the churche bridges Highe wayes and pavem* of & aboute the same Towne And for and vppon other good cawses and orders to be bade and made as well for the lettinge and settinge and Leasinge of all the landes Tenem*8 and shopps, as for the expellinge removinge or chaunginge the Tennis of the same Towne, and for other good orders to be bade emongst The same Townesmen. Ther was chosen at the genall requeste of the wholle companye by the said Edwarde Pate and Willm Hartoppe Twelve men w0*1 shoulde nomynate and appointe fyve of the same Twelve to Lett Sette and Lease or otherwiese to Improve the same lands and tenements And to take order for other cawses concerninge the estate and comon wealth of the same Towne and In­ habitants as in stintinge the number of Beasts to be putt vppon the common pasture or for the repayringe of the churche and churchyarde of the same Towne. W* Twelve men so nomynated and appointede djd Electe and choose theise fyve to the Intente purpose and Effecte before rehersed viz.: Willm Lacye, Thomas Chauncey al's Gyles Henry Shipwarde John Wythers and Mychaell Bentley. And at the same Tyme all the Tennts of the same Towne yelded theire consents That Theise fyve abovenamed sboulde take orders in theire discressyons for the Levyinge Receyvinge takinge and disbursinge of all suche somes of money as shall come and growe vppon the fiyne,s and proffitts of the same Landes and in Imployinge the same to the Intents and beneffitts of the same Towne and Inhabittantes. By vertue of W11 Eleotyon and auothorytie by common consente the ffyve abovenamed tooke vppon them y* matters to them in that choice com- MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN EECOEDS. 345

[1582.] myttede and have solde the Goske iu the spyneyes and lette other grownde as maye hereafter appeare To thend yl the bridges maye be repayrde wch will coste by opynyon of woorkmen (LxxxM.) fortie powudes the stone besides carridge Tweutye powndes Lyme, and xxM. wormanshippe The Eepayringe or Pavem48 xxxtt. and xxxiijs. iiijij. annitie The repayre also of the roofe of or churche the ordringe the seates and amendinge the chnrche walls xxxii. Also the obteyninge Orgaire Leyes by Purchasse ffrom Mr. Pagname (sic) beinge xxs. reute to hyme for the wch we will geve thirtie yeres Purchase or somewhat more rather then goe w'oute them or growe in Troble or swyt for the same.

Anno 1583. [The "goske" in the upper Spinney sold for £5. The Spinnies let for one year for £5.6. 8. The Mill close £5.0.0. The Prior's close let from Lammas to Candlemas for £-i . 10 . 0. The open close for £1 . 10 . 0. The Temple gore wong from time fields be common till Candlemas for 10s. Crowes Ley let for 31 years for fine of Ss. and Is. a year rent.]

1584. [1584.] Itm the stockstone at Thorpe Crosse was sold to John Wythers for towe shillings & towe pense and to plante or^ett one Ashe tree or a thorne and to renewe the same till y' please god theye growe. ' Itm the stocke stone at Kettelbye crosse w' one stone standings is solde to VVillm Trigge for fyve shillings and he to sett a Tree and husbond yt till yt growe as abovesaid.

1585 Primo Mali. [1585.] Md was agreed the 2" of Maye y* whereas the Towne owghte Thomas Pyne fortie shillings for a horse since the Eebellyon in the Northe he is paide thirtie shilliugs at thre daies and the Towne acquyted. Allso whereas the Towne owg" to Richard Greves xvjs. for a horse at the same tyme he is paide tenne & fullye satissfyed.

xxjmo Aprillis anno 1586. [1586.] Imprimis Newe Coeffeoffees for the Townes Lands Mathewe Lacye

Mychaell Bentley H^eT(?uglfon I Matthewe Lacye Itm John Castell allowed Heardsman till Martill: Itm was chosen by comon consente Thomas Kinge to be Swynehearde Itm John Donnewell is appointed to be comon Haieward or Finder till Harveste and to take for everye beast Impoundinge ob [obolus, a half­ penny] for everye Swynehog ob for everye flocke of geese jd. and for everye flocke of sheepe iiijd. and to be crowescbaror and to have for wages of everye yard Land jd. for erowsharinge and jd. for pynning. Md yt is agreed by common consente y* those newe erected cottages w<* have one cowe or towe kye shall keepe them this yeare payinge the spynye wardens xvjtJ. for everye cowe and to provyde otherwaise for them and to paye for them when they putto pasture. Willym Lacye Bobt™ Oldhame I Mychaell Bentlye 846 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. [1586.] Md waa chosen and agreed w' abrahame Shelton to be the Townes husbonde for overseeinge the busynes of the Towne till mondaye come a yeare and we promise to allowe hime for his ffee xx». and more if he deserve yt. 1587. [1587.] Agreed the Skoolmasters wages to be for ever j> ann ...... ili. The Husher bis wages jj ann ...... \li. Itffi The Keper of the clocke and chyme ...... xx». Early in the year 1588 the nation was stirred with the assurance that the long threatened Spanish Armada was at last about to sail for these shoi«s, and every man, according to his degree, felt the time was come to make preparation to meet it. The Queen, who for years had been in continual apprehension of this invasion, had fifteen years previously (1573) issued full and minute instructions to the Lord Lieutenants of the counties as to the mustering and arraying of troops; but now the time for action had arrived, and the sheriffs and other principal men in each county were astir, as is so well told by Macaulay: * With his white hair unbonneted, the stout old sheriff comes, Behind him come the halberdiers, before him sound the drums; His yeomen round the market-cross make clear an ample space, For there behoves him to set up the standard of her grace. And haughtily the trumpets peal and gaily dance the bells, As slow upon the labouring wind the royal blazon swells! When the dread Armada was scattered by the winds and the waves, and when the danger which threatened England was re­ moved, the Queen whilst ascribing the deliverance where it was due, did not fail from time to time afterwards to issue from the Privy Council orders to all persons to put in array all such armour, weapons, and other furniture of war as they stood charged with, or had showed at any former muster, so that it might be ready for Her Majesty's service at any time within one hour's warning. The many entries in these Melton Eecords relating to arms and armour provided by the town, the muster-master, the soldiers and light horsemen equipped by the town, &c., &c., will be quite intelligible if the circumstances of the times are borne in mind. The next extract relates to the providing of armour. Anno Dm 1588. [1588.] Was charged w* pryuate armor as followeth in marche Thomas Chauncye one Corslett one Calyver one Murryne one Byll Willm Lacye T h W th rs *"'ne ^"'^vel w' ^ul

[1589.] (Salte peeter maker Maye xmo 1589.) Md was agreed w* Mr. ffoxe her maties Salte peter maker for carridge of coales for his works at Lecester the tenthe of Maye 1589 for xv tene shillings and we levyed for the same s'rvice y' everye yardland shoulde paye iijd. wch came to xxs. iijd. collected by James Lovett and Eich. Greene constables and so remaynethe in their accompte vs. iijd. 12 May 1589. Itffi y' noe Shopdweller nor barnedweller nether anye newe erected cottager shall have anye common at all except they were Inhabyted and dwelte on as cottages before the memorye of man. 3rd August 1589. Eeckoned and agreed w' Bryan Shers for bordinge George Brown and his man twelve weeks in the deare yeare at vjs. viijd. the weeke at the repairinge Burton bridge iiijK. 26 September, 1589. After a list of persons taxed for the subsidy similar to the one aboTe the following remark is made relating to the fifteenth : 848 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. [1689.] (The ffifteene 1569.) Beinge allwaies viijZi. xiij«. iiijd. is taxed by a generall Levye vppon everye man and if aoye monye be wantinge it is paide sometymes by some comou Letten and this year the Levye beinge but vijii. xujs. iiijd. & XJM. was paide by monye to be taken for pte of the millclose. 1590. [1590.] The constables were directed to collect the " 4th part of a ffiftenne" for divers charges and for " viijs. for the fee of the muster master." 1592. [1592.] Eoger Ghauntler " scholemaster " is mentioned. 1596. [1596.] Md the xviijth daye of July . . . was granted to Margery Binggam one cottage parsell of the Spyttell... Likewyse . . granted to John Couper . . a cottage parsell of the Spyttell. A controversie betweene the inhabitants of Melton Mowbraie and the pishe for the Repare of theire pish church of Melton mowbraie aforesaid. The Sute commensed in the Highe Comissione Courte by the inhabitants of Melton against all the pishe.* The Corte granted a Commission & referred the hearings of the cause to Mr. Doctor Hickman Mr. Doctor Chippindale and Mr. Robert Johnsone Archdeacons f they metinge at Melton the viij"> of Aprill 1606 pswadinge the inhabitants of Melton to referr the matter of controversie vnto them wch many of the inhabitants was contented w"1 the rather for that Mr. Doctor Chippindale was a commissioner and advocate for the inhabitants Hopinge he wold make so good an order for vs as we shold well like. The Substance of the order was that when anye repare was nedefull to be done the Towne of melton shold paie vK. and all the pishe shold paie vj2i. xiijs. jiijd. and when the Inhabitants of Melton paie xH. the Hamletts shold paie xiijK. vjs. viijd. and so after that Rate more or less and so yt shold contyuue. But the inhabitants of Melton not contented wth this Agree­ ment made a peticione vnto the corte showinge the greate Difference that was betweene the Inhabitants of Melton and the pish They vppon greate consideracon made and set down this order followinge ...... The decree " of the High Commissioners in the Court" was, that the above " order set down in the contrye shall extend only for the present repair of the church of Melton Mowbraie, and that it shall not conclude or bind any persons for future ages or time to come." Application was again made to the court to make this order binding " for future ages," but without effect. January, 1601. [1601.] There is " The Yearlie value of the Townes rents;" a list the Total of which is. £25 16s. [1606.] There was "a contention stirred up by Walter Wormwell," which cost the town by " ij verditts" against him £5B 15s. lOd. " One verditt againste John Thurbarn for Dike

* That is the Hamlets. + "Mr. Doctor Hickman" was a clergyman of the ooanty; "Mr. Doctor Chippindale" was a magistrate of the county of Leicester, and Commissary of the Bishop of Lincoln, residing in the Newarke, Leicester; and "Mr. Robert Johnsone" was Archdeacon of Leicester. MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. 349 meadow " is also mentioned without any particulars of cost. More information is given about this " Contention " in the following document, which I copy in full: Pro Rich0 Daston ar' et Joh'i Savage Deft. Thurbarn v'ss Dastou et Savage. Richard Daston Esquir and John Savage gent' comitties of the bodye pease or called the Pease feild Then that yere the said ffeild & Dike meadowe are layd for severall the Mooneday after the Hopper goeth a feild as we tearme yt or after they begins to sowe pease in that feild and Dike meadowe is so kept & holden severall vntill Midsom' or S' Peters day. Melton is a poore markett towne populus & full of poore peple whose cheefe releefe is a cowe or two to give them ruilke. This matter for comon concerneth the wholle inhabitants there & especially the poore who have comon for thirteene skore Beasts and the husbands for ix skore in all xxij skore. Thinhabitants there had no knowen or customable comon groundes for there Beasts pasture but these midsom' before such tyme as by meanes of Legacy given to the towne they maid a purchase of certen grounds called the spynneys w"> the vse for a comonable ground cheefely from may day vntill midsom'. Thurbarne his purpose & drifte is to have Dike meadowe comonable upon a day called Peter ad Vincula comonly called Lamas day & so a Lamas ground But never any one did see or knowe it vneaton at that day It hath beene some yeres by reason of vnseasonable wether & in neighborly love towards the teanant beene forborne two or three dayes puttinge in the heard of Beasts to save the hay from spoilinge by the beasts not beinge fitt or ready to carrye. Then follow the names of Witnesses and an epitome of the 850 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. evidence " to prove Dike Meadowe Comonable on St. Peter's Day," and the document continues: Thurbarne the pit is a very miserable covetuous and contentious man in the strength of his estate & wealthe and vnder the name of a Lawier him. He hathe caused tbinhabitants of Melton to spend cli. in matters wcb concerne the state & comon wealth of the towne. And wold never yet since his cominge thither pay any Dutyes or imposicons to the t.ate Queene Eliz. or his Ma"6 either subsidy ffyfteene provicon and such like. Nor any Levyes or Taxes towards the releife of the poore or Repaire of or churche & such like but by extremitye of Lawe complaint* or compulsion. All or the moste of his witnesses be his Teanants or owners of |>te of Dike meadowe & so pties to the ffrehold or such as be alied to the said owners of Dike meadowe. We now resume our extracts from the Minute Book. 1st November, 1606. A Town Meeting for the election of men for the letting &c. of the Town Lands was held. " Spittlegate " is mentioned, and the following entry is made. [1606.] Md that there was an agreement made betwene Henry Shippward gent bealife for my Lord Barkley and the Inhabitants of Melton mowbraye for Pavinge of the towne videlyc' that the Towne out of the profit of there lands shall gyve him xxiijZi. vs. viijd. and the Benevolence he can procure of evrie man when he cometh at his dore and allso of the contry to Pave the Towne and further for that it was considered that the husbands wold be many tyrrtes slacke w*h there Teames to bringe stone and gravel] and to carrie awaie Rubbishe it was motioned by the said Henry Shippward that if they wold gather iijs. iiijd. of evrie yardland and lend him the same money wch came to xx marks or thereabout he wold buy iij horses and a Tumbrill and so fre them of carriage and when the worke was done he promised to deliver the horses and Tumbrill agayne w1* worke beinge so well pforrned by him they have gyven him the said horses and Tumbrill. The Horses and Tumbrill cost £13. On a separate paper I find the following memoranda which may well be inserted here : The lord Barkeley hath in o* towne the Tollage, pickage and stallage worth by yearelie rent xlZi. The lord barkeley officer will take vppon him to gyve lib'tie to any that cometh ether to faire or market to picke or to digge upp or stretes for the settinge of there stalles onelie for his benefit & then the towne hath vsed to mende them or else they were psented. ^ But the lord Barkeley nor his officer will not repare nor mend any of those decaied places but will gyve the Towne leave to repare and amend them or ells leave them in Ruyne and decaie they were psented at the seisses or sessions & at this tyme they were psented.« The Towne hath two stoned Bridges of xiiy Arches standing vppon the Ryver of Eye woh is a great charge to the towne in mayteanynge aud Kepinge of them. The charges of the stretes and bridges when Ambrose Lane and Henrie gullson were townewardens beinge in An. dn. 1588. 50K. 2s. 6d. * Henry, Lord Berkeley (with Catharine his wife) was Lord of the Manor of Melton. The Town enhsequently purchased the Manorial rights. MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN EECOEDS. 35-1

The charges of the bridges when Henry Shipward and Henry gulson were townewardens being in An. Dn. 1589. 2-lli. 15s. 6d. The charges of the bridges when Henry Shipward and Hugh Elw'ood was townewardens 1593. 9Zi. 5s. Id. The charges of one of the bridges called Burtone bridge when Willffi Trigge and Mathew Lacy was townwardens 15H5 was 8K. 6s. 8d. The charge of their iiij accompts cometh to for the bridges and stretes 92M. 9s. Qd. Nov. 1610. [1610.] (Cheif constable) Paid Mr. Neale for the Shire Hall ymposed upon or Towne ...... xxs. Paid Mr. Sison late vnder sherriff for ij prsentments for the Decaie of or stretes in Ano 1610 ...... xiijs. iiijd. (Terringham Hutchin & Thomas Blithe constables) Md that vppon the makinge of his Accompte there was Remayning in his hand xxxix pounds of gone powder xxxvij pound of match a hundred weight of mvsket shot one calyver shot wantinge a pound and one barrell wayinge ixK. a half all wch shott powder and match the Towne was charged wth providinge of in A° dni Ki07. when the treble was by them that threw downe the ditches and the Towne hath sold him the powder for xd. a pound wch money is in pte of payment of money dew vnto him. And the shot and match & barrell he hath to kepe it for the towne. A levie made the xxth of Novembr in maner of one halfe of a fifteene for the payment of iijK. laid vppon the Towne for buylldinge a howse of correction and for other charges and Srvice for the Kinge. Md that vppon a metinge of dyvers neighbors the xxth of Novembr 1610 An agrement was made that Bred and wyne for the communyon shold be provided at the same charge that heretofore yt bathe bene videlzt that everie communycant dwellinge in the Towne shall pay a penny a yeare and shal be gathered by the churchwardens evrie Sonday iij or iiij howses as in there discretion the shall thinke fit so that it go through the Towne in one yeare beginning at John Weavers howse in burtone end. A levie made the x of June 1610 for reparing the Church [charges for the Bell frames and iron work] wch came to xjH. xiiijs. viijd. Another levie made the xth of december for castingie the third bell and other nedefull charges about the Churche wch came to ...... xZi. ixs. viijrf. Aprill, 1611. [1611.] The church whited and the Fillers Painted Sentences of Scripture written and the King's armes set vppe at the charge of the Towne and pishe begune this yeare in Aprill 1611 the workman who did it is George Pawley a neighbor of or Towne and he is agreed wth to have for the same... .xK. According to a memorandum there was a " shewte beetwixte the towne and the Lorde Barteley " in 1608, but no particulars are given. The ffoundacion of the churche repayred att the charge of the towne and parrish in Auguste 1611 the workmen hoe did itt was W. Rowell and Richard Rowell the chardge of this and for mony layed oute for the belles came to.... xxvK. xiijs. xd.

Ano. 1612. [1612.] A Levy made the xv day of March Ano. domini 1612 for ..... the chardges which is to bee layed oute for the soldgers ..... A A VOL. IV. 862 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Ano. 1613. [1613.] Memorandum the ffirRte day of November 1613 there was a meetings of the negberes of the towne of Mellton Mowbrey att the churche att which . tyme there was a motione made bye Mr. Henery Shippward that if itt would pleaae the inhabitautes of the same to give hym yerely the some of three pounds bee would vndertake to keepe and mentayne the comon streetes causes and Bridges yerely where nede requires so thatt the townesmen would bring hym stone gravell and sand for the same bee provideinge the stone att his coste and chardge Provided allwayes thatt if any of the arches shoulde happen to fall then the towne were to mend and repare the same att their proper coste and chardge whatsoever was needful to be doone aboute them .... [This proposal was accepted.] Delyvered to Roberta Trigg and William Grimsbaw cunstabelles bye Thomas Oundell and James Lovitt tbe[y] beeinge the yere beefore cunsta­ belles the 25 day of Januarye 1613 theese severall parsellea of the townes Armer followinge. Three corslittes with sleeves hedd peesis and colleres beelong- inge to the same. One rauskett with the reste and Bandelers and hedd peece beelonginge there vnto. Three pikes att Thommas Clarkes att Lester which are to bee called for there. [1614.] This armer was delyvered bye Robert Trigg and William Grimshaw vnto John Hall and John Bore the 14 day of October 1614 beeinge then chosen cunstabelles. 1 Dec. 1615. [1615.] John Hall and John Boore constables delivered to their successors Andrew Lacy and Wm. Trigg constables the following " severall peons of Towne Armour." Imp'imis iij payre of curates. Itm iij payre of Pouldrons. Itm iij Gorgetts. Itm one payre of Tasies. Itm iiij headpeeces & iiij capps. Itm iiij swords & scabberds and iiij girdles & iiij daggers w°> sheathes & chapes. Tt.fK the oulde Corslett wantinge onely the headpeece for the same. Itm ij musketts, ij bandeleroes, iij Rests, one moulde, one skrewe, and ij skowerers. Allsoe iij pikes wch are & have beene remayninge at the signe of the white Harte in Leicester ever sithence the tyme that Thomas Owndle & James Lovett weare constables. 29 January 1615 (1616). [1615-16.] Md. the day & yeare abovesaide Thomas Ellwood John Stewkley Roger Ridgeway, Roger Beeby, & John fibwler Inhabitants of the Towne of Melton Mowbrey haveinge beene arested by vertue of his maties p'ces at the suite of Edwarde Wormewell & others the cofefiees of the Towne land for cuttinge & caryeuge away furrs & thornes out of the Spinneys, vpon their severall submissions & disclaymors voluntaryly made vnder their bands weare pardoned the foresaide tresspas, payeinge each of them for the same the sum of ijs. iiijd. & vpon p'mise made never to offende in the like maner wch saide submission made the day & yeare abovesaide is extant in the towne chest amongest the other writings. 8th January, 1616-17. [1616-17.] There was granted a levy unto James Lovett and James Shallcroft, churchwardens, "for and towards the paym* for MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN RECOEDS. 353 wyne for the comunion, buyeinge of a churche bible, a comunion cloath and other thinges to be done at the pticular charge of the towne." 22nd October, 1617. [1617.] An agreement was made with Henry Shippward, to repair all the pavement, causeways, the two Bridges (Burton and Kettleby) for £B. a year. 26th September, 1627. [1627.] Under this date there is a list of " Townes Bonds," that is, money lent by the Town to various persons on Bonds, amounting in all to £88. 3rd October, 1629. [1629.] There is a list of such cottages in Melton Mowbray, "as at this day ought to have righte of comons in the ffeildes there." They number 132. 26th October, 1632. [1632.] The Townwardens acknowledge to receiving "one Dixonary for gramer schoole." B July 1638. [1638.] (Leic6.) At the Generall Assise and Goole Deliuery holden for the County aforesaid at Leicr the sixth day of July Anno Dni 1638 before us Sr Richard Button Knight and Thomas Trever Knight his MaUes Justices of Assise for the said County of Leicest' &e. forasmuch as wee have taken speciall notice of the greate increase of poore people within the Townes & villadges of the sd County, and that within the Towne of Melton Mowbray being a Markett Towne wch hath happened by the comou & dayly receiving in of strangers, taking in of inmates & makeing of new erections, by reason whereof the poore people are exceedinge chargeable by taxes & otherwayse to the Inhabitants of the s11 Towne, and that many that doe receive strangers, entertaine Inmaies & make such new erections for theire private gaine, are least of all chardged for the reliefe of the poore & many times by reason of theire owne poverties, doe become capable of releife by collection themselves; ffor reformacofi whereof wee the sd Justices of Assise taking into our considerations the abuses aforesd have thought fitt & doe hereby order & declare for the avoyding such abuses & Incouvenincs as may hereafter happen hereuppon, & for the better releife of the poore people for the future inhabiting within the sd towne: That the churchwardens & over­ seers of the poore of the said parrish with the consent of some of the best sorte of the Inhabitants of the said Towne shall from henceforth have full power & authority hereby to assesse & taxe in theire monthly taxacons for the releife of the poore according to the statute, such as have entertained any strangers taken in Inmates or made any ereccons as aforesd, to such a proporcon of money as the Rents and proffitts of such new ereccons howses or places wherein such strangers or Inmates doe Inhabitt or dwell shall be yearely worth And for the future preven­ tion of the like abuses wee doe hereby further order that noe manner of joson Inhabiting within ye sd Towne shall receive any stranger to Inhabit in any new ereccon, or take in any Inmate before sufficient security bee given by such Inhabitant vnto the Churchwardens and overseers of the poore or to twoe Capitall pledges which shall bee 854 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. [1638.] appointed by the Stewards of the Court Leete for the time being, for the saving of the pish harmless from such chardge as may befall the s4 Towne by such stranger or Inmate. 87 Sept' 1647. [1647.] Memorandm that at a generall meeting att church the 21 day of Septemb' 1647 Josua Sponge Clarge wee freely nominate and elect to bee the loe scholemaster to teach the petty schole house to teach all the Inhabitants children that the[y] put to him and for his stipen for his paynes the some of ...... viijZi. vj». viijd. 20 June 1655. [1(555.] Mr. John Alien elected Head schoolmaster at a salary of £20 " to teach all the inhabitants children . . . when they shall be conceived fitt for the sayd schoole." 1st May, 1659. [1659.] John Drury elected under schoolmaster—£B. 6s. 8d. yearly stipend. 15th June, 1659. Henry Wickham, Master of Arts, elected Head Schoolmaster, £20. yearly stipend, and a convenient dwelling-house. 15th September, 1659. Walter Pare elected Head Schoolmaster with £20. yearly stipend, a convenient dwelling-house, and freedom from all taxes and as­ sessments. He promised to "continue head, schoolemaster of Melton aforesaid during his naturall life, or soe long as he shall hee able to perform that place. .... And for ye better Incourage- ment of ye sd Mr. Walter Pare in sd schoole ye sa Inhabitants hearing of his good abilitys to perfonne thatt place have flreely given him out of ye rents and proffitts of ye said Town lands y" some of ten pounds." 7th July, 1661. [1661.] Thomas Robinson elected under schoolmaster, £10. yearly stipend. 9th November, 1663. [1663.] Henry Stokes elected Schoolmaster for life, with £40. a year stipend, a House free from Taxes, and from free quarter of soldiers. 88 Sep. 1665. [1665.] At a generall meetings the day & year abovesaid we whose name are hear vnder written haveing notice that our Low schoole hath been for sume tyme neglected soe that many of the Inhabetants have been forced to send thear children to another schoole and thear pay for thear teaching soe that the[y] lose the beuifltt of the stipend belonging to the said Lowe Schoole And now findings our said schoole destitute of a schoole master. Wee .. . doe elect and chuse Zeachry ffenton to be schoolemaster for the said Lowe schoole and shall desire the Townewardens of the sd Towne to pay the said Zechary fenton yearly soe Long as he shall teach in the said schools the sume of eight pounds to be payd forty shillings a quarter Witness our hands [Signed by 39 townsmen.] MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. 355

26 Sep. 1667. [1667.] The names of the schoolebookes given by Mr. Chamb'lin, and left in the schoole at Mr. Stokes his death Julye first 1673. Martineus. Lexicon Geographic. Erasmus Adiges. Calopin. A Greek Lexicon. Votius Etomolpgicon. Skynlau Pentaglot. Mintius. Budens Comitaries. Foetica's Dixnarie. A Quadrupal Dixnarie. Goldmans Dixnarie.' [The above is in a different hand to the date at the top, and is, as shown by the date of Mr. Stokes' death, a later insertion.] 32 June 1671. [1671.] Att a Generall meeteing of the Inhabitants of Melton Mowbray and the Hamletts ye day & yeare above written It was then agreed by and be- tweene the said Inhabit" and Hamlett8 of the one j>te and John Sturges of Exton in ye county of Rutland Carpenter of the other gte as followeth. Imprimis ye said John Sturges is att his owne pj> t costs ifc chardges to draw in three new beames of good Oake of y6 full seize and scantleinge of y6 old & a considerable seize bigger as need requireth & to make all ye frame now betwixt ye said three beames within ye greate Isle of ye pishe churche of Melton Mowbray aforesaid wch containeth six square bee it more or lesse. In consideracon of ye premises ye said Inhabitants & Hamlett/8 have agreed to give ye said John Sturges after ye rate of twenty pounds for Evry square hee ye said John Sturges findeing all ye wood & timber belonging to ye said worke & for ye scaffolding & nailes that shall be used in order thereunto. It was further agreed that the said John Sturges shall finish all thaforesaid worke att or before ye tenth day of October next. And that ye Inhabto & Hamletf" shall pay ye sd John Sturges Threescore pounds att or before ye nine and twentieth day of September next and threescore pounds more att or before y" foure & twentith day of December likewise next ensueing. Signed by John Sturgess, John Dowell, Vicar, and eleven parishioners. There is a memorandum that John Sturgess should also "make an addition of roofeing of about two squares and one halfe adjoining to the abouesayd worke and as substantial," for which he was to have an additional £20. llth November, 1672. [1672.J An agreement was made hy the Townwardens with Thomas Hill, Phillip Dixon, and James Brewen, Eough Masons, to repair Burton and Kettleby Bridges, and certain causeways for £14., and they were to keep the same in good repair for forty years (provided any one of them lived so long) for the yearly receipt of 20s. from the Townwardens. 5th June, 1673. [1673.] Thomas Dafiy elected high schoolmaster at £40. a year stipend, half a year's notice " shall be given by the ptie or » " Martineus " for Martinius, Lex. Phi!., to., Utrecht, 2 vols. "Calopin" refers no doubt to Calepin, the celebrated grammarian and lexicographer of the fifteenth century; whence calepin, formerly a common name for a lexicon, and still used in French for a memorandum book, scrap book, common-place book. " Votius " for Voesius, Etym. Ling. Lat., fa., Amst., 1662, or for Voetius, i.e. Voet. " Skynlan" for Skinner, Etym. Anglic., Lond., 1671. " Mintius" for Minshen, Duct, ad Ling., fo., Lond., 1617. " Budens "may be for Budfflus (Bude). . " Goldman" for Gouldman, Lat. Diet. [Notes and Queries, 5tn S. ix. 375. J + Proper. 856 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. pties disliking: & that no potacons (?) shall be made by the said schoolemaster w* we doe disallow haveing formerly caused differences & an abatement of the schollers theire.

8th March, 1674. [1674.] Martin Wormewell elected Low Schoolmaster at £10. yearly stipend and a quarter's notice.

21st April, 1675. [1675.] At a Court Leete and Court Baron, mention is made that they " marked" certain land "with two steps being the Towne Marke of Melton." 24th September, 1680. [1680.] At the passing of the Townwardens accounts mention is made of " the howses lately burnt downe."

3rd August, 1681. [1681.] New feoffees appointed. 12th August, 1685. [1685.] Mr. Zechary ffenton elected Low Schoolmaster, " and by reason of his more then ordinary merritts and mtnesse for the said place are content . . . ." to allow him £IB. 6s. 8d. yearly ; half a year's notice. 24th November, 1733 [an after insertion]. [1733.] Under this date there is an account of the " Yard Lands in Melton," and among them Mr. Coke Lord of the Mannr ... 12 • 00 • 00 Mr. Gregory of Burton ...... 09 ' 02 • 00

24th September, 1685. [1685.] Under this date is " a note of such Cottages in Melton Mowbray as att this day ought to have right of Comon in the ffeilds there." These number 132. 2nd October, 1691. [1691.] " The Lady Margetson" appears to have left a Legacy to the town which was expended chiefly in apprenticing poor children. She is further described as " Maddam Ann Margettson the relict of his grace James Margetson, late Archbishop of Armah." The whole money expended amounted to £28. 13th July, 1691. [1691.] An agreement made for the repair of the Church windows. MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN EECOEDS. 357

27th March, 1695. [1695.] Robert Trigge chosen Low Schoolmaster at £13. 6s. 8d. salary, and three months' notice.

29 Sep. 1697. [1697.] Memoranda! that the townwardens had tenne shill's apeece allowed them by Reason of the extraordinary panes in Collecting the Bents upon the see' of alt'ing the Coyne. 26th September, 1700. [1700.] Simon Henley signs as Vicar. 24th September, 1702. . [1702.] At the election of Town Wardens the following memo­ randum is made. " There happend a difference at this Eleccon, a Mr. Stokes proposing it should be put to ye vote. It was accordingly done and ye majority fell upon Blankley and Hill." 23 Sep. 1708. [1708.] Humphry ffisher Clerke chosen under schoolmaster at £9 . 0 . 0 a year. At the death of Geo. Bowden late Schoolmaster Mr. Fisher to have twenty marks. And further it is agreed that the four of Clock hell shall cease & not be rung any longer. Ao. 1710. [1710.] The Rental amounted to £82. 19s. Od.

October y« 25«> 1715. [1715.] Listed then for ye srvice of the Militia John Sansom, John Carver, Anthony Olpin, Edward Parr, William Smart, William Olstaff, and John Pick all which were sworn, enrolled and mustered at Leicester ye 21 day of November 1715. 29th May, 1716. [1716.] Mr. John Henley elected master of the High Schoole, £40. yearly salary. Half a year's notice—free from Taxes.

9 Nov. 1716. [1716.] At a publiek meeting of the Inhabitants for examining severall accte Thomas Crane and Francis Walton Constables for one year from Michms 1715 to Michms 171fi Delivered us Seaven Musquets, Seaveu Swords, Seaven Bayonets, Seaven Cartridge Boxes and Belts, and Seaven Sword Belts, all clean and in Good order; which they provided in their year for the use of the Militia, which arms are now Lodg'd in the Swan Eitchin, under the care of Thomas Crane where we agree to let them remaine and not to be removed or used onely for the use of the militia. And for keeping ye said arms in Good order we have now agreed with John Hacke of Melton white smith to keep them in Good order by the year, at ten shillings a year to be paid by the constables then being every Michms : But when ever ye said arras shall be used by the said Militia and be by them fibuld or any part broake or Lost, they shall be repaird againe at a publick charge and not at ye charge of y6 said John Racket, but as he delivers them clean to the Militia the Militia shall deliver them clean to him witness our hands [Signed by 17 Townsmen.] 358 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

24th October, 1717. [1717.] In the Townwardens' Accounts which were passed on this day is the following: More of Mr. Dawson for sitting in the Towne Pew due Lady Day 1717 ...... 00 . 02 . 06 28th September, 1721. [1721.] Mr. John Brown elected high Schoolmaster in the place of Mr. Henley, resigned, and at the same salary. The following is appended: [17^1.] In consideration of'y' aboves11 agreem' I doe hereby promise not to accept of ye curacy of Melton Mowbray aforesa during my being school­ master as afores'd as witness my hand John Brown. Md Lett Mr. Marriott ye seat for him & his wife belonging to James Tylers house for two shillings a year from Lady Day 17 . . and which Mr. Phipps & his wife now sitts (in). 7th May, 1756. [1756.] The Rev. Jno. Brown having given notice of his intention to resign the mastership of the High School, the Rev. Thos. Ball, was elected to succeed him at the same salary.

2nd November, 1757. [1757.] The Rev. T. Ball resigned. The Rev. Richard Hardy elected as master of the High School. He promised not to accept the Curacy. 11 Octr 1771. [1771.] Mr. John Thompson elected High Schoolmaster at £50 a year salary " in lieu and full satisfaction for the teaching The Inhabitants' children of the town of Melton Mowbray only with the Rules of Grammar and Classics only other than Six of the Children of the said Inhabitants of the Town of Melton Mowbray aforesaid which shall be at any time or times hereafter nominated and appointed by the said feoffees or the major part of the same for the time being in writing and mathematics. 26th August, 1774. [1774.] The Rev. Jno. Hodgson elected High Schoolmaster at a salary of £50. 19 April 1775. [1775.] Be it Remembred That at a General Meeting of us the Trustees and Inhabitants of the Town of Melton Mowbray aforesaid for & concerning the electing of a ffree School master for the teaching of Reading Writing and Common Arithmetick with the Decimal and Vulgar {fractions and mensuration there we do elect and chuse Mr. William Chamberlain of Old Dalby in the said county of Leicester as school master thereof .... [yearly salary £50—J years notice]. And it is also further Agreed that the said William Chamberlain shall not have the care of Teaching any son or sons belonging to the Inhabitants of the said Town any other than those who are capable of Reading in the Bible and such son or sons to go under a proper examination for that Purpose by a Person who shall be appointed by the said Inhabitants. And also it is further agreed that MELTON MOWBBAY TOWN EECOEDS. 359 [1775.] if any of the said Inhabitants of Melton Mowbray aforesaid shall chuse to have their Son or Sons Taught and Instructed in any other Branch of Learning than writing Beading and Common Arithmetick in manner as aforesaid Then and in such case such Inhabitant or Inhabitants shall pay or cause to be paid to the said William Chamberlain for such of their son or sons such sum or sums of money as shall be agreed upon between the Parents of such son or sons and the said William Chamberlain for such extraordinary education ...... And Lastly The said school in Eespect to Holy days and times of vacation the same shall be used and accustomed in the same manner and form with the Grammar school of Melton Mowbray aforesaid As witness our Hands (Signed by 31 inhabitants and the master.) 24th July, 1775. [1775.] John Wing of Hallaton appointed to repair Kettleby Bridge. 18 March 1776. [1776.] Thomas Brewster of Melton elected schoolmaster for six months only . . And at the same meeting it was further agreed that an advertisement be inserted in the London Evening Post, The Cambridge Journal, and the York Chronicle for a master for the teaching of a free grammar writing and arithmetic school for the said Town as witness our hands. (Signed by 13 townsmen.) 27th December, 1776. Thomas Hemsley of Grimston, in the County of Leicester, appointed Schoolmaster. £40 a year. 11 Jany. 1779. [1779.] And it is also ordered at this meeting that the Eespective Tenants of the Town Estate do pay their respective Rents by half yearly payments (that is to say) on the 1st Thursday after the 1s* day of May and the I8' Thursday after the 10 day of October in every year in the Eoom over the New School and that an account of the arrears which shall Eemain unpaid on the said days hereinbefore appointed for the payment thereof shall be wrote in a fair Legible Hand and affixed in a conspicuous place in the said Room. 1 May 1788. [1786.] We whose names are hereunder subscribed being Twelve in number Inhabitants of the Parish of Melton Mowbray in the County of Leicester having assembled ourselves in order to look into the state and situation of an Estate commonly called Melton Town Estate—and also of the proceedings and conduct of the Feoffees of the said Estate And it having appeared to us that several of Houses Lands and Closes or the greater part of the said Estate are now and have been for many years past let to different [persons] greatly under the real value thereof which con­ sequently is a great injury to the Inhabitants in General whereupon the Proceedings and Conduct of the said ffeoffees relative to the said Estate have been for some time past very Reprehensible Upon which it was unanimously agreed that Public Notice be given requiring the said ffeoffees to meet the Inhabitants upon the above Business. Therefore we the aforesaid Inhabitants do hereby require the said ffeoffees to meet the Inhabitants of the said Parish of Melton Mowbray aforesaid on Wednesday the 17"1 of May next at the New room by 10 o'clock in the forenoon with all the Books Papers and Writings that do anyways relate to the said Estate for the Inspection of the Inhabitants in General And also to shew cause why the said Estate shall not be B B VOL. IV. 860 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. [1786.] raised to a proper value. And also to answer several other matters and things that may then be thought Proper to be laid before them. Given under our Hands at Melton Mowbray aforesaid the 1" day of May 1786 Francis Ward William Underwood Rob'. Wartnaby Rich"1. Inett Rob'. Hind Benj". Linney Edwd. Clementson Wm. Smith John Marriott Tho". Lewin John Whitchurch John Dixon 17th May, 1786. [1786.] At a meeting held in pursuance of the last resolution, it was found that "the Information then given was rightly founded," the Estate was therefore ordered to be valued by four competent townsmen; all the tenants were to receive notices to quit, and for the payment of all arrears. The late Townwardens were requested to deliver up all the Books, Papers, and Writings to the new Townwardens, with which request they refused to comply. " Therefore we do hereby request the said late Town- wardens, William Reeve, Sen., and Edward Bright, to surrender and give up the said Accounts, Papers, Books, and Writings, that do relate to the said Estate unto the new appointed Townwardens, Robert Wartnaby and Thos. Lewin, upon the 31st of this Instant May; and we do hereby require the said Rob. Wartnaby and Thos. Lewin, to give notice thereof in the Parish Church of Melton Mowbray aforesaid, for that purpose on the Sunday follow­ ing the date hereof." (Signed by 17 townsmen). 31st May, 1786. [1786.] At this meeting the late Townwardens, Wm. Reeve and Edward Bright refused to deliver up the accounts, &c., the meeting was therefore adjourned to Monday then next, the 5th June. 5th June,. 1786. [1786.] Robert Wartnaby and Thos. Lewin elected Town- wardens to succeed Wm. Reeve and Edward Bright. Resolved also that the Lands belonging to the said Town Estate shall be let by auction, on or before the said fifth day of April, by the said Townwardens. It was also further resolved that the new elected Townwardens, Robert Wartnaby and Thomas Lewin, for the year ensuing, shall enter into the usual Bond with two securities in the Penal sum of £500. to Doctor Thomas Ford and John Whitchurch, gent., with the usual condition thereunder written. (Signed by 21 Townsmen and ffeoffees). 19 Oct. 1789. [1789.] At a General Meeting of the ffeoffees and Inhabitants held in pursuance of publick notice given in the Parish Church of Melton Mowbray afore­ said for taking into consideration the propriety of continuing or dis- MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN EECOKDS. 361 [1789.] continuing the proceedings in the Court of Chancery touching the Town Estate. It was unanimously agreed that all proceedings in the Court of Chancery shall be immediately stopped in consequence of the ffeofees and Inhabitants having come to the following agreements with respect of the future management of the Town Estate, viz*. That a new Deed of Trust shall be immediately prepared by two Council the one to be named by Mr. Reeve jr on behalf of the ffeoffees and the other to be named by Mr. Parke on behalf of the Inhabitants—and that the whole of the Books papers and writings relating to the Town Estate shall be placed in the hands of some attorney to be nominated by the Council that such Books papers and writings may be produced to the Council whenever they shall call for them and that such attorney shall prepare such new Deed and in such a manner as the Council shall give directions for. That the Council shall settle such new Deed for the future regulation of the Town Estate, which shall be immediately afterwards executed by the present ffeoffees but it is to be understood that the clause drawn by Mr. Parke on behalf of the Inhabitants with respect to the declaration of the uses of the Town Estate shall be inscribed in such new Deed provided it can be legally done. That the Dispute respecting the Title of the Reedgate Meadow or open close shall be also referred to the said Council and that the determin" of such Council shall be final between the said Inhabitants and Mr. N Reeve jr. That the costs of both Comp*8 & Defts that have been hitherto incurred shall be paid by such of the partys and in such a manner as the said Council shall direct. That the costs of the reference as well as the costs of the new Deed shall he paid out of the Town Estate. That as soon as the above agreement shall be carried into execution the said proceedings in the Court of Chancery shall be immediately with­ drawn or dismissed. (Signed by 3 ffeoffees and 12 inhabitants.) 24th May, 1790. [1790.] At a similar meeting held this day the agreement passed at the above last meeting was rescinded, and it was de­ termined to act exactly as above in the preparation of a new Deed, &c. And immediately previous to the execution of such new Deed the said Bill (in chancery) to be withdrawn or dismissed and the costs attend' thereon to be settled by the said Council. The costs of the Reference and new settlement to be paid out of the Town Estate. If the clause shewn Mr. Wm. Reeve by Mr. Hose is sent up with the Deed and if it does not militate against the Trust and the Council think it proper to be inserted and approve it, he will not object. That the dispute respecting the aftermath of the open close or Radgate meadow or the payment out of the said close be fixed and determined by the said Council. That the said New Deed be inrolled in one of the Courts of Record at Westminster. (Signed by 8 Feoffees & 39 Inhabitants.) 14th July, 1790. [1790.] General Meeting of Feoffees and Inhabitants. Six months notice given to Kev. Thos. Helmsley to quit the Writing and Arithmetic School on the 5th of April then next. 22 June 1793. [1793.] At a meeting of the ffeoffees and Inhabitants held in pursuance of public notice 862 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. [1793.] ' It is ordered that the following gentlemen be chosen the new ffeoffees of the Town Estate viz.: Seth Hose, Sam1 Caldecott, Charles Latham, EdW Stokes, Richard Inett, Robert Hind, David Kendall, Benjamin Linney, Wm Underwood, Andrew Carpendale, Richard Boyfield, and James Farke. 9 OcV 1798. At a meeting of Inhabitants pursuant to notice The New Trust Deed was read over and executed by the old & new Trustees present and attested by the other inhabitants present. Ordered that » meeting be holden .... for taking into consideration a proposition made by Lord Melbourne for letting the Town Tolls and for other purposes on Wednesday the 30 day of this instant October. 80 Octr 1793. [1793.] At the passing of- the Townwardens' Accounts a balance was found in their hands in cash and securities of £795 Is. Ordered that Mr. Rob« Hind and Mr. Tho« Wainer Jun* be Townwardens for the ensuing year and that they be allowed a salary of Five pounds for their trouble and give security according to the tenor of the new Trust Deed. Ordered that the Tolls payable to Lord Melbonrn be taken upon the Terms offered by His Lordship and that the rent be paid out of the rents of the Town Estate. Also ordered that non -inhabitants shall not be tenants of the Town Estate. Ordered that a day school shall be established for the girls of this place and that Dr. fford, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Kendall, and Mr. Charles Latham be requested to form a plan for this Institution and report it to some future meeting. And that the same gentlemen be requested to form a plan of a Sundays school and report it at the next General Meeting. Ordered that Mr. Hind Mr. Boyfield and Mr. Sheppherd be empowered to light the Town by Lamps, to pave the middle pavement, and to establish a watch in such manner as they in their discretion shall think fit and that the expence shall be defrayed out of the profits of the Town Estate. (Signed by 27 townsmen.) 27 Nov. 1793. [1793]. Doctor Ford and Mr. Charles Latham having reported several proposi­ tions relative to the establishment and management of a school for girls agreed upon by them with Mr. Stokes und Mr. Eendall agreeable to an order made at last General meeting. It is ordered 1. That sixty Girls be admitted into the School to be taught reading, knitting, plain work, writing and accounts, according to their capacity and age. 2. That no child be admitted under seven years of age or continue in the school above five years. 3. That the nomination of the children be by a Committee of seven gentlemen to be annually appointed, who shall meet regularly the first Monday in each month to admit or to discharge for non attendance, ill behaviour, infection, or any other reasonable cause, and make Bye laws for the government of the school. 4. That a proper matron be appointed with an assistant for the above education. The matron to be allowed Thirty pounds a year, the assistant Fifteen pounds and a writing master ten pounds who shall attend two hours three days in a week. MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN EECOEDS. 363 [1798.] 5. That these Teachers be also nominated by the above Committee and removable by them. 6. That a school house be built for the above purpose and that the said Committee of seven gentlemen direct a Plan and Estimate to be made and report to the next meeting. 7. That the Committee for the ensuing year consist of Doctor Ford, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Kendall, Mr. Charles Latham, Mr. Caldecot, Mr. Hind, and Mr. Thomas Wainer Junr. Ordered That the Town wardens defray the expence of keeping in repair the Town Pumps. Ordered That John Paling be appointed Public Scavenger for keeping clean the streets at an annual salary of Ten pounds. Ordered That the Clerk be allowed in future an annual Salary of Two pounds ten shillings for ringing the Eight o'Clock Bell. Ordered That the consideration of the Sunday schools be deferred till another meeting. 27 March 1794. [1794.] The Committee appointed for preparing a plan for a Girls school having reported the same, with ye estimates and y" same having been considered by the meeting, It was ordered that the same be carried into execution upon the yard in the King Street in the possession of Mr. Francis Ward. That the above Committee do see to the execution of the same. That the expence of the Sunday Schools be not defrayed by the Town Estate. Signed by order of the meeting Tho. Ford Chairman. 9th June, 1794. [1794.] The Draft of the Lease of the Tolls collected in the Fairs and Markets at Melton Mowbray, and payable to the Lord of the Honor and Manor of Melton Mowbray, and also of the out Tolls, was read over and approved, and the same ordered to be engrossed and executed by ffeoffees. 18th August, 1794. The minutes of this meeting, at which sundry orders were given respecting the Town Estate, close the entries in this Book. At the end of the book are copies of several Wills, &c., under which money was left to the poor of Melton. William Hickson, by his will dated 28th September, 1612, after gifts to the poor, " Itm my will is that the sume of five pownds shall be given at the tyme of my buriall amongest the poore people of Melton at the discretion of my wife or such as shee shall then apointe to distribute the same . . . Bin. I give to the Ringers wch shall ringe at the tyme of my buryall xxs." There is a copy of Hudson's Will detailing the foundation of Alms Houses. Near the beginning of the volume is a copy of a composition relating to the church taken out of the Registrar's office at Lincoln, dated 26th February, 1481. 864 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

There are a few ACCOUNTS OF THE COLLECTORS FOE THE POOB. I have not made many extracts from these : the one under the year 1572 throws some light upon the state of the town, as relates to its poor, at that time : [1565.] Collected £10. 3s. 2£d. Payments to poor £10. 6s. 5d. [1566.] Collected £6. 4s. 7d. Payments to poor £6. 4s. 6d. The names of inhabitants (contributors) comprise "mast* brokysbye," " John Drap," " Walter Shyppward beyllye " (i.e. Bailiff). [1569.J Collected £4. 18s. lid. Paid £4. 14s. lOd. Some of the inhabitants paid their portion every Sunday, some yearly. [1570.] Collected £5. 2s. 4d. Paid £4. 18s. Od. [1572.] Under this date is a list of the poor in Melton at that time: Wyllm Hawlye curat. John Lassye bartyllemew grene constables. Thomas Wormwell, Thomas Hudson churchewardens. The names of the impotent pore peple not able to gett nothing to there lyvyng & be compelled to lyve by alines Then follow eight names with this remark annexed : We do suppose y* viijd. a weeke to evye of these wyll suffice. The names off pore copellyd to lyve by almes & is yett able to do some worke towards thr lyvyng Then follow seven names with this remark annexed : We do lyke wyse chose iiijd. a weke because y1 be able to gett some thing towards tr lyvyng. We have bowses Inowe to suffice ye pore wythin our towne to dwell in.

We saye we have made a byll as well off our owne names & occopings as also ye names & occopings of evye pson gticularye dwelling w*in our towne wch is off abilite to be as contributors to ye pore. Then follow 79 names with the amount at which each is assessed; next, the names of 30 "laborers not able to beare any portion;" and lastly, 61 names of those that "be not able to give anye." [1574.] Collected £8. Is. 8d. Paid £8. 2s. Od. Including "for vij yardes of sacclothe ijs. viijd. " for makinge wm Leys cott viijd. "for poyntts ...... jd. I will next give copies of, or extracts from, some Bills or Precepts relating to certain MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. 365

TAXES laid upon the town, and to Innkeepers, and to Eogues and Vagabonds. [1576-7.] "A Fifteenth." There is a list of inhabitants taxed for raising this entitled : A Sesment made for the Collection of the fyvetene in the six"1 yere of ye reyne of queene Elizabeth. [1595.] Anno Dni. 1595. There was "a sesmente for souldiers made the xxvij'h daye of June in the xxxvij01 yeare of her Matieg raigne upon theire viage into Irelande." The Bill with this heading contains the names of inhabitants contributing. It is incomplete. At the bottom are the words " payde of this bill tow and fiftie shillinges." William Boswell was one of the high constables for Framland Hundred. There are various orders for the collection of Taxes: some signed by him. 1599. [1599.] To the Cunstable and Churchwardens of Melton By vertue of a precepte to me directed the iij day of december last past by iij of our maiestyes Justyces of peace for the releefe of our maiestyes Jells As also byastatute made att the last parlament for the releefe of the poore Eospitalls and mearned Souldiers these are to will and require you and in her Maiestyes name straytly to charge and commaund you to collecte and gather wthin your towne xijd. imposed uppon your towne for the Jelle to be payd presently at the syght hereof to me. And also iijs. id. for the Hospitals and meamed souldiers due to bee payd x dayes before the next sessions holden att Lecester. As you will answer to the contrary at your vttermoste perrill Yr Loving frend Willm Boswell. Ed. for Jalles xij yo° at the same daye for the maymed sonldiers due at the daye xxa and for the Hospitalls due allso the same daye xxd This doe you as ye will ausweire to the contrary at yor gills Dated at Melton Mowbreye the xvij me Robert ffosbrooke Saltpeet'man. [1600.] An. Dn. 1600. A levie made the xxviij* of Maye for the fyfte and syxt whole fyttenes and tenths' granted to her mUB at the Farlyment holden at West' in the xxxix"1 and XIth yeare of her Rainge: this levie beinge made by they whose names be hearvnder wrytten. Then follow ten townsmen's signatures and a long list of those taxed : the total produced was £18. 7s. 2d. " We meet with the payment of ' fifteenths' as far back aa the statute of Magna Charta, in the conclusion of which the Parliament grant the King for the concessions by him therein made, a * fifteenth 'of all their movable goods. This taxation was originally set upon the several individuals. Afterwards, in the year 1331, a certain sum was rated upon every town by Com­ missioners appointed in the Chancery for that pul'pose, who rated every town at the fifteenth part of the value thereof at that time, and the inhabitants rated themselves proportionally for their several parts. This' fifteenth' amounted in the whole to £29,000, or thereabouts. ' Fifteenths' continued in use down to 1624, in which year three ' fifteenths' were granted to James I. This was the last grant of the kind, for when in the first Parliament of Charles I. a motion was made for adding two' fifteenths' to the subsidies granted to the King, it was rejected, and the next Parlia­ ment was dissolved before this vote of three ' fifteenths' passed into law."—Notes and Queries, 5th S. ix. 95. MELTON MOWBEAY TOWN RECORDS. 367

ix"> of August 1600. [1600.] Reoeved by me John Standford the daye & yere abovesaid the some of thirtie eight shillinges & xj

This Tax was reckoned at the rate of eight shillings for every .£3 of land and five shillings for every £3 of goods.

[Circa] Melton Mowbraye 1604. Constable you must be before the King's Comissioners for the subsedie & theis psons whose names are here vnder written w" the names of all that may dispend xxs. a yeare in land & that are worth iijji. in goods in yor towne at Melton uppon satterdy the xxiiij lh of M'ch. Allso yo" Cunstable must bringe them in writing the names of all victulures & ale hows keepers as well licensed as not licensed in yr towne & comaund them the said victulers to be there allso w'6 twoe sufficient suerties to vuderstand the Kings pleasure by me Tho. Snape Bayliff Willm Lacey } ffiSL Sessors for y* Subsedy. Henry Sbipware J

To the Constable of Melton Mowbrye These are to charge & comaund you in the kings highnes name y1 p'sentlye after the receipte hereof you levye & gather up in yor towne the some of xxxvjs. taxed for the second paym' of the third subsidy & to bringe y' to me or my sufficient deputye on Tuesday the xx"> day of December next cominge at the signe of the Swanne in yor said towne. Hereof fayle not as you will answeare the contrarye at yo' William Lacye in lands iijH. iiijs. 'John Wythers in land iij/i. iiijs. William Boswell in lands xls. ijs. viij<2. Thomas Spencer in lands xls. ys. viijrf. William Trigge in goods iiijH. iiijs. Nicholas Wethers in goods iijK. iijs. Edward Wormewellin goods iijM. iijs. William 11 abbes in goods iijK. iijs. John Thurdbarne in lands xls. ijs. viijd. William peate in goods iijK. iijs. Coll.

[Circa"] To the Conystables of Melton 1607. Theisse are in the Kings maues name to chardge and comaunde you that p'sently upon the sight hearof you collect and gether w^in your Town- o c VOL. IV. 868 LEICESTEESHIEE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY.

[1007.] shipe the some of viijg. vjd. imposed one you towards tbe jmsion of poultry ffor his ma"68 bowsee and the same paye to me upon Twessdaye next being the xxvj th of Jannuary. fleale not hearin at your vttermost parill. yours Willm Neale. There is an order from the same for 40s. for the Town and 7s. for Framland Close, towards the "provision of His MtiM most Honourable Howsshold." [1608.] A receipt signed Wm. Neale, for 8s. 6d. for Poultry, dated 20th September, 1608. Also a receipt for 35s. 8d. dated 12th April, 1608, being the second payment of the second subsidy. I will next give a few extracts from certain CONSTABLES' ACCOUNTS, which passed through my hands. [1591-92.] William Mabes and Eoger Measure, Constables. [1595-6.] Wm. Boswell and Kobert Dodswell, Constables. Total receipts £16. 10s. 8d. including [1595-6.] Item oolected for the laste ffftene ...... ixK. xiijs. jd. Item colected for a sesmen for the souldiers ...... xxxvijs. jd. Among the payments : Many for four soldiers' expenses in maintenance. Payde Bartholomew Bruckesby for carringe Shaw to Mr. Caves for stelinge gese...... iiijd. Payde for meate for a roge w"* was whypte ...... iijd. Payde the syxte feften to Mr. Whalley coleotor the xiiij of September ...... viijZt. xiijs. iiijd. Payde to James Leint for a hat for drummer ...... xxd. Payde Wm Yeomenson for a pare of shelves for drummer.. xx

16021 ^even to tow Pore men wi* !ysence •••••••••••••••••••• ijrf- It appears that the License to Beg was granted by the Magis­ trates in Session, and was addressed to the Magistrates acting within the Hundred, or in the neighbourhood in which the poor person was to solicit alms. The following is a copy of such a License as used in the reigns of Elizabeth and James I.: To T. T. C. and J. J. esquires justices for the conservation of the peace of our soveraigne Ladie the Queene's majestie, within the countie &u. assigned, greeting. Whereas the bearer hereof, M. N. of B. in the sayd countie, beeing a verie poore man and blinde, by reason whereof hee is not able to labour nor yet to live of himselfe without the charitable reliefe of others, and being now resident in the said town, is therefore now to he relieved. And being likewise informed that the said towne is at this present charged with more poore and impotent folks than it is • See Mrs. Dent's Annals of Winchcombe, p. 147. 870 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. well able to relieve; know ye, therefore, that wee the saide Justices have licenced and allowed the said poore man and his leader to goe abroad to beg, gather, and receive the charitable almes of well disposed people, inhabiting within the Hundred of &a., in the said covmtie, requiring you not to molest or trouble the said p6ore man, or his leader for so doing, but desiring you rather to relieve them in their necessitie, as to you shall seeme meete. This our licence to remain in force one whole yeare next ensuing the date hereof.* This License was iiot only intended as an authority for begging, but also, no doubt, as a protection against the whipping which frequently awaited, as the next entries show, the unhappy vagrant: Geven to Robert Moodee for wippin tow pore folkes ...... ijd. and gave them when the were wipped ...... ijd. Geven to Tomlyn's boy for whippiu a man and a woman .. ijd. and gave them when the went ...... ijd. Geven to a pore woman wich lost all by fyre ...... ijd. geven to tow pore women with lycence ...... ijd. Geven to one that was whipped at buxminster ...... ijd. Several similar payments. geren to a mead wich lay in the stretes when my Lord Chyfe Justis cam by ...... ijd. After being punished vagrants had passes, see 1625-6. [1603.] Ending Michaelmas. Walter Wormewell and Win. Morrison, Constables. A fifteenth produced £8 15s. lid. ) A " second levy "... 8 15s. 3d. [ Total £19 13s. 8d. "aLevyforProvicon" 42s. 6d. ) Payments. To Mr. Sharpe, collector, for the "flyfteene" dae February, 1602, £8 13s. To Francis Goodwin, Sub-Collector, for second levy for " ffyfteene," July, 1603, £8 13s. 4d. Paid for the provision, 42s. 6d. Payd to Walter Parker & Hickson for keepinge the townes folke of Tythe & Aswell out of or m'ket benge suspected for the plague ...... vjd. Payd for the guydes of o* post horses at the Kings MaUeB cominge towardes London ...... viijd. To Robte Moody for warninge at there severall houses for the makinge the Coffion Buttes ...... yd. My chardges at Gadesbie w"1 Tho. Webster & his wife by warrant from Sr Tho. Cave ...... iijd. Payments for watching prisoners, for candle and cord to tye, their conveyance to Leicester Gaol, for going to the Justices with them, and for whipping two. ffor mendinge the stocks ...... iijd. Item my chardges at the last quarter Sessions at Leicester when all the constables of the shier were called ...... ijd. * Kates and Queries, 5th S. viii. 513. StELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. 871 An entry in the above Account points to the existence of the plague, or " sickness " as it was frequently termed, which was then, unhappily, a frequent visitor in this country. In 1603, when the townsmen of Melton were doing their best to prevent its being brought into the town by closing their markets against persons from infected places, it was not without reason that they were afraid, for it had then made its appearance in Leicester and in Stamford. Eight years later (in 1611) the bailiff and others of Melton wrote, on the llth of April, to inform the Mayor of Leicester that they had determined to restrain all persons from coming to their markets from Leicester and other infected towns who did not bring with them a certificate of health.* In 1625, as we shall see presently, there was at least a fear that the dreadful scourge was appearing in Melton, as it had already in Leicester. This is further apparent from an entry in the Chamberlains' Accounts of the Borough of Leicester for that year: Item paid to Thomas Cloudslie of Melton for chargs of a woman kept at Melton as by his note appeareth ...... xviijs. bid.

This charge is amongst others relating to the sickness, and probably refers to the charges of a Leicester woman detained at Melton by a sickness which was suspected as being the plague. We may however infer that Melton was spared at-that time, and so in a thankful spirit voted a sum for the relief of their less fortunate neighbours at Hinckley "being visited wth the plauge." It is, however, evident that twice subsequently (that is, in 1636-7 and in 1665) Melton suffered severely, and required all the help her more wealthy and fortunate neighbours could give her. In 1636-7 the Chamberlains of the Borough of Leicester charge amongst other entries relating to the plague : Itm pa for the releife of Melton by consent of Como hall ...... xZi. and Nicholst says there is a tradition of the plague being at Melton, and that probably it was there in 1636 and 1637, as none of the years prior, or subsequent, to them have more than 60 burials, whilst in the year 1636 there were 122, and in 1637 more than 405 burials. The tradition is confirmed by the evidence now brought forward, and the number of burials shows how severely

* See Mr. Kelly's valuable Paper (privately printed) upon " Visitations of the Plague in Leicester." f Framland Hundred, p. 219. 372 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. the town suffered. Again, in 1665, I find the following entry in the Chamberlains' Accounts at Leicester: Itm pa to y" Inhabts of Melton Mowbrey by order of a Comon Hall towards their reliefs in ye time of their vizitacon wth the plague ... xZi. [1613. Gyven to the gippsis to ridd the towne of them ...... zijd. Very Item payde to the crowner for his ifee aboute the mead imperfect.] that poysiened herselfe ...... vjs. viijd. Item payde to Mathew Lovitt for goeinge to Lester for the Amner...... iij

[1569.] lmprmis a rede cape at Le...... ijs. Itffi a peare of boots...... iiijs. ijd, Itffi for a sword & dagar ...... vijs. viijd. Itffi for a sworde gyrdell & a peare of spores ...... xxd. Itffi or ehargs at lester...... xxviijs. yd. Itffi alowede a man that we hyrede there ...... vs. Itffi for a sadell & brydejl...... ixs. viijd. Itffi for a baye geldinge ...... vijK. Itffi a lowede Mr. broxby for a lame horse ...... vjs. viijd. Itffi or horsmanes wage...... xls. Itffi for a plate cote & a scile (? scull) cape ...... xxs. Itffi or ehargs at Notingham ...... xjs iijd. Itffi for shoinge or horse ...... vjd. Itffi a horsmanes cote ...... xs. jd. Itffi allowede for a ...... Itffi for ...... Itffi for a ......

On a sheet of paper is the following, undated, relating to the same subject (circa 1600) : [Circa.] The charge of a lyght horsma" [1600.] ffor his horse pd to Mr. Henry Poole of Dalbie ...... iiijK. xijd. for ye Saddell & bridell gerthes, sterops sersingle pettrill . . xiijs. iiijd. for his boots ...... iiijs. iiijd. for his Spurrs ...... viijd. for his plate cote ...... xxvjs. viijd. for his sword ...... vjs. viijd. for his scull ...... xviijd. for his Eed cap ...... ijs. for his Dagger ...... iijs. for gerdell & hangers ...... xij of boote hose xvjd. **• **• w There is a BENT ROLL. [1600.] beginninge at the Annonsiasion of ower lady 1600 a yeare after folloethe Among the rents are Item James Powley for a cottage at Spyttell ...... vs. Item Wm. Hycsou for a chamber in the Spyttell ...... vs. Item belye M'kam (Bailiff Markham) for a Eent dewe to the mentenance of Ketllebye brige Som is ...... ixs. 374 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. The Bent Boll comprises 19 houses, 3 shops, and several cottages, besides land. The total amount is about £25. 2s. 8d. I also find an account which may have been one given in by the Wardens of the Spinneys : it is headed: Anno domini 1526. [1676.] Imprimis I charge my selfe recevid of Mr. Gylber Berrye w°h was dewe to the towne of melton bye his predecessor Mr. Brookebye wch he ought for rente of the Spinnies the some of ...... vli. Itffi recevid mone for tooe closes at the hye leys wch was letten bye the towne to Bartholomew Green & Bryan Shyers of the some of...... xxvj«. viijd. Item Mr. Gyles and I topke the winter croppe the spinies in an0. 1577 for three winters after xx nobles the winter amounteth to...... xxK. [Total £26 .6. 8.] Discharge. Ann". 1576. first to Heugh Broucke glasier for lead, sauther, & glasse for the re- paring of the Church to witte : [here follow items amounting to £Z . 16 . 10.] Item payd him more for fyftie fyve dayes wages at twelfe pence the daye [and more entries for keeping the church windows in repair for two years after they were mended .. £2.5(?)] Ann". 1577. Item of the sayd twentye pounde [i.e. received for the winter crop as above] we payd to my cosin William lacye going to lundon about the tounes afayers the some ...... vli. Item payed more to the constables wcS delivered to the iustices for the provitibn of soldiers ...... ijK. xvjd. Item payed more to Mr. Chauntler ...... xxs. Item payed to Robert Odam & William Pooley when they payed Webster ...... iijK. is. Item payed more to my cosin lacye in midsomer tearme .. vfi. Item more sente to my cosin lacye by Gylbert his man ... .ijli. [Total £36 . 3 . 2.] Tbear remayneth Dew to the Towne by this accomptant iijj. vjd.

THE TOWNWAEDENS' ACCOUNTS Supply much information relating to ancient Melton: I made a few extracts extending over a period of about eighty years which I now proceed to give :— [1556-7.] The Eeconyng and accompt of vs EC. trayford & Thomas Posturn wardens of ye towne land from the xxiiij day of Septembr an" Ivj vnto ye xxiiij day of Septembr an0 Ivij for one hole year. [Total rec"> £33 . 8 . 8d.] Itffi p4 to my lady bertleye for cheff for ye towne land dew to her at mychelmas ano Ivj ...... xs. jd. Itffi for a lod cley to make ye wendow at ye chapyll ...... yd. Itffi pd to steven andrew of stayinebe for iy holy watr stocks vjs. viijd. Itffi pd to par for mendyng y* ohapyll porch vnder settyng of it...... vjd. Itffi pd for wyne capons and coks geven my lord berdey .. vijs. vjd. Itffi pd for a lamp at london ...... xs. Itffi for carrige home of it ...... ihjd. MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. 875 [1556-7.] Itffi pd to Donewell for the takyng down y° lerne of the galowes & beryng hym (?) ...... ijd. Itm Hew Laei & 1 gave to Mr. Wyllffison for his counsell agenst ye vecar for the tythe wich he axed of y" Towne.... xxd. Itffi pd for iiij stone of leed towards ye makyng of iij leed pannes to sett in ye Holywatr stocks ...... iiijs. [Total payment £19 . 10 . 10.] [1557.] The Reoonyng and acompt of us Rechard Trayford and Thomas Postarn wardens of the Town land & Howses from the six day of Septemb a° Ivij unto the (never finished) .. In the receipts are rents for " chapyll close," house in " churche lane," " ye chapyll chambr," " Rotten row," " Spetyll Lees." Itm of nycolus Symmons wyff for di (half) yere of ye porch xij'J. [Total receipts xviiiK. ixs. iid.] Payments: Itm pd to the skole mr for myglielmas q'r ...... xls. Itffi pd to elsabethe Smith for ye lock for y6 spetyll chapell dore ...... xjd. Itffi alowed Wyllffi Dyng for a yere for dryving of beggers out of ye town half a yere out of hys howse ...... iijs. vjd. Chief rent to " my lady berkley." Itffi pd to nycolas and Robert Harryson for mendyng of Ktylbe Crosse when it was dygged & to John Knowles & townesmen for watching ye crosse ...... iija. Itffi delyd Hew Lac' Denys shepd to p" for iij yards i- d q'r clothe for a awter cloth ...... iijs. Itm for a lock for y" presse in ye vestry to lay (?) the tnwne harnes ...... vjrf. Itm pd y° Undershereff for a p'sept for coles (or tales) & charges ...... xiiijd. [Total payments xiij/;'. xvijs. xd.] There are several entries in the accounts just quoted indicative of the restoration of Roman practices during the short reign of Queen Mary: e. g. the purchase of Holy Water stocks, with lead pans to place at the doors of the church, and the providing of a lamp from London, to hang before " the Sacrament "—that is the reserved Host kept within a Pix upon the altar. It would appear that an attempt had been made to overthrow the way-side cross at the Kettleby end of the town, and that, having mended it, there was a necessity to place a watch in order to prevent a repetition of the outrage. The next entry is significant: [1558.] Rye. trafford & Robard Olldam xv Jany 1"' Elizlh pd to the chyrche masters to paye for the bybell ...... xiijs. iiijrf. [1501-2.] The Reckonyng and accompt of vs Robt Odam & Denys Sheparde wardens of the towne Lande of Melton from Mychelmas a° xv Ixj vnto mychelmas a° xv Ixij ...... Receipts include four cottages in neat market. Shop occupied by Bradshaw of Nottingham. [Total receipts from Land and Houses .£36 . 18 . 6J.] D D VOL IV. 876 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Discharge:— 1563. Itffi for wyne & sugar for my lorde pearse at christimas .. iijs. viijd. Itffi to Willm tille for takinge downe the bell* ...... xs. Itffl to John Hindman his wife for ale at the taking downe of the bell ...... xxijd. Itffi to John Poley for carrying a Letter to Lester ...... xijd. Itm in earnest to the bell fovnder ...... iiijd. Itffi to Willm freers for worke for the bell ...... xvj

* This relates to the casting of the 5th bell of the present ring, which is inscribed " Beats Maria." It is called " Our Lady Bell,*' in the accounts of the Churchwardens of Melton Mowbray. See North's Church Bells of Leicestershire, pp. 246.50. + The stocks for the summary punishment of offenders stood within my recollection in the King Street, opposite to the old Bridewell or Lock-up, which subsequently gave place to a Police office standing nearly on the same site. MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECOEDS. 377 [1563-3.] Rob' Odam

Among the receipts : [1564.] Itm the viij day off June owing by John Dalderlye and Willm Blyth for the lord & ladyes money an0 1503 Ixxs. ixd. whereof Rd to my charge sm ...... xxxixs. ixd. Rd of John downes the Rest of Robin Hode his monye the same daye sm...... xiiijs. jd. [Large sum raised by letting the spinneys.] Itm Rd of Hewgh Spencer w* was the rest of the lords moneye ...... xxvjs. ijd. Itm Rd of Mr. George Sherarde of Stapleforth wch was borowed of him sm ...... xxK. [Total recta £146 .9.0.] There are many payments for expences in London " for the Eecoverie of the Spinnies." Itm more geven to Mr. Hunt ye xxvj day of September a° 1566 when Mr. doctor Cave Mr. brian Cave, Mr. barklie & Mr. Willm Digbie of Welbe salt in comission uppon the towne lands sm . „...... '...... xls. Itm pd for the Comvnion table sm...... xs. viijd. Itm more wch was geven to Mr. Doctor cave & Mr. Barklye in the behalfe of the towne of Melton one pottell of wine & sugar ...... xiiijd. [1565-6.] Robert Odame and Hugh Lacy, Rentgatherers,* from Michaelmas, 1565, to Michaelmas, 1566. Payment to Geo. Dent of Great Dalby on account of ;£40 lent by him to the town for payment to "Mr. Broxebye of Showbye" who was bound to Chrisf Draper, Alderman of London, for that sum. Itm a pottell of secke wcl1 went to Showbye when we recevede our obligacon wherein the Towne became detter to Mr. broxbye of Showbye for \±ii. sm...... xijd. llm to the constables to make the reste of the monye for p'uysion for the quene for fatte shepe ...... xij(Z. Itm a pottell of malmesaye whiche goodman carver bare to Mr. sharrade when he borowed the xxH...... xijrf. Itm spent at the swanne when Mr. broxbye of Showbye & Mr. Sherrad came to make an ende betweeue Mr. Drap & the towne ...... •••••••••••• xJd-

« Or Townwardens. 878 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTUEAL SOCIETY. Many journies to London to Sir Walter Mildway, &c., on the town business. [Total payments £33 .4.1.] [1566-7.] Robert Odam and Hugh Lacy—Michaelmas, 1566, to Michaelmas, 1567. [1566-7.] Rob' Odam & Hugh Lacy—Michs. 1606 to Mioh. 1867. Itffi p4 to Mr. Vyear at Easter wc" was borowed of him the xxij of Aprill 15B8 beg.vning to paye the seolem' ...... vK. Itffi the viij of Maye pd to Sr Thorns of Saxilbye for the full payment of the scolem* his wage dew at myghilmas 1580 .. x». ad. Itm a galland of clarett wyne w* was can-yed to Mr. Sherrard at the paying of xxK.. he lent the towne ...... xxd. Itm to the scolemr v/"> remaynede here a weke ...... v*. Itm alowed Hughe Elwoode his wife for a dyner when the commissioners satte here aboute the Towne land & for horse meate for the Justices horses & Mr. Hunts as appith by her bill ...... xlijs, vj

* As Ibis Letter is still "forthcoroynge" a copy is appended:—"Mybouuden dewtye towards yor Elonor most humbly considered wbeare I have receyved comanndemt from the same by the mowth of one of your Honors s'unts to make auche trewe and p'fect declaracon vnder my hande, as 1 will herettfler Btande vnto of Ihe mann' of the fyndinge owie of the late conceited Landes in Melton wthin the countye of Leycester. Theis shalbe to signifye vnto yor Honor that by vertue of the Q. Mattes comyssion directed vnto one Willm Vnedale and me as well for the boddy of that sheire as others we did nrste sett at a Towne called Statherne wheare one Cave then vndersherive having impanelled a Juiey and mystrustinge that the Lands in Melton aforesaide showlde come in question wolde nedes indeicte nth vs that vppon payne of discharging the saide Jarey wee shoalde in nowise medle therwth declaring that his Mr. the high Sherive hadd receaved L'res from yor Honoi whereby he was specially comauuded to deny vs appavaunce for the triall of the p'misses, where vppon (being promysed egainste the nexle daye the sight of the saide L'res wch (as he alledged vnto vs ware thorough forgetfullnes lefte behinde him at his saide Mr. his house) wee did accordingly suspend or further dealing in the p'mises And preceded vnto the reast that was to be founde wthin the sayde countye. And afterwardes p'ceyving yt the saide vndersherive hadd not only abused yr Honors name by surmysinge matter from the same, But also beinge vtierly denyed. at his hands of eny further s'rvice for the Quene notwithstandinge her Highues writt of attendance & or sev'all p'cepts or i either moste gentle L'res of request directed vuto hym we thought it good reyther then by the negligence of the saide sherive or omitting of so apte oportunytie her Mate comodytie shoulde be eny waves empaired, to p'cure apparance by vertne of p'cepts wch to the nombre of xv or xvjth substanciall & discrete p'sons at the leaste being sworne vppon thevidence of three adjudged in their countrey to be right honest men did fynde & p'sent the p'misses in Melton to be the Q Mats accordinge to the tenor of thenquision certefied vnder their sev'all hands & seales & returned into her bighnes Courte of Thexcbequer. Thus having made yor honor acquainted wth the whole circumstance of the matter (wch hath made me moche more tedious then I woulde have bene) shall most humbly beseche the same taccept in good p'te or simple s'rvice herein wch might raither erre of iguoraunce then of willfullness (and like as the wordes of our Comission arre gen'all viz om'ibue &c. Even so oure furtheraunce hadd bene no better then the Sherivee. The Ooramyssion to vs directed hadd bene in the p'dicamt of viij or ix sev'all comissions yt hy the oomon reporte of the countrey have been repulsed before. As knoweth Almightie god to whose p'tecotou I most humbly comytt yor honor £Trom the flete the xixth of this instant Noverabre 1567. Yor Honors humble and most dewly bounden, Tho. Lucaa. MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. 879 Itffi pd to the good wife Shiers att y<> same time for too pottells wine one pottell off sak wth sugar ts& ...... iijs. vjd. Itffi pd^for a pottell of wine & sugar sent to Mr. Wilson wtt the coffiission for the wodd in the spinnies sffi ...... xvjd. Itffi pd for wine & cake geven to Mr. Vicar of Melton .... xijd. Itffi pd att Leic' for the diners of the twelve men by the Justices comandment Simpkius having coffiission ...... vs. Total discharge iiij1"' xvijK. vijs. ijd. Due to R. Trafford xviijZj. ijd. Itffi for o* travell & paynes abowt all yor nffayres since the beginning of or suts o* trust is y' you will have some consideration thereof and so Reward vs even as the thing yt selfe and also the comoditie thereof both psent & to come Requireth sffi. 1567, arrearages for. 1571 and 1572, ditto. 1572 two whole years ending S. Michael, 1572. Item Rd of the Lordes monye when Wm Carver was lorde in a° 1571 ...... xliiijs. [Total charge £38 12 5] Discharge A°1571 & 72 Imp'mis pd to Mr. Roger Chauntler scoole Mr for his Ordenary stjpend ap'oynted hym by the towne oute of theyr landes as a yeirelye pensyon towards his waige after viijK. the yeire for two entyre yeires p.ndinge at Mychellmas 72 vtsup' xvjii. Payments of chief rents to "lorde Barckley."

Item payd to Hugh Lacye for strawe for the pynfold a° 71 iijd. Payd more to y° chiefe Constables for hennes towards pvysions for ye Queene a° 71 ...... xxd. Pd to Roger Jarveys for mending ye keye arche at Ketilbye bridge ...... '...... xjd. [more payments about the bridge] Itm to Hugh Lacye that he leyed owte abowte repayring the stocks ...... viijd. Item payd for carying of harneys to the Constables ...... xviijd. Payd for wyne w"11 was bestowed amongst the Justyces.... xxd. Pd for wyne & sug' that was geven to the arle of Lyncolne xxrf. A° Dni 1582. [1582.] The accompte of vs Ambrose Lane & Henrie Gulsonne chosen towne wardens to collecte and gather the rents due to the same towne for ij yeares begining at the Annunciacon of cure Ladie the virgin A° sup'dco 1582 to Mich» 1583. Long list of rents received. Payments for paving in Spittle end. Item geven in rewarde by the consente of the towne to Martin Wolley being blynde y' he might depte from the towne ...... ijs. Item pd to Grace Green for the charges of the Earle of Huntingdon at his coming to the towne the xx of October 1583 ...... '...... iiijs. vjd. Item pd the iiijth of October to one cotton woh came to enquire by comission uppon the statute of Artillerie ...... iijs. iiijd. 880 LEICESTERSHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Item pd to my L. of Huntingdon his s'vaunt for his paynes when hee brought a Doe and his charges ...... vj». Item pd to Edward Loon for a daies worke of thatching the old schoole howse & hia fynding ...... viijd. [1584.] [Many receipts as in last year.] Item to Preston & Abbot for setting the Hovel up at Burton bridge ...... xijd. Stone from Holwell pits and from Chipsham. [1585.] Annunciation. Paid to Richard greaves & Thorns Pine in pte of paym' of ij horses w"1 geaves appointed & taken to goe into the north abowte the Qwenes ma" affaires ...... xx». Michaelmas 1585. Farther payment on this account for horses 15s. Item pd to Heugh Elwood by the appointment of the towne the xijth of decembr for the furnishing of a souldier ...... xx». [1586.] Many payments for paving, &c. " Goggles from the Brook." Mending the Town Pick-axe. Paving.the Causeways. Gathering Pebbles in Pickwell field and Stableford field. More than £20 expended on Paving. [1586-7.] Michaelmas 1586, and Annunciation 1587. Total receipts £20 7s. 2d. Payments 1586-7. It to the baylif of Melton for the Lord Barkley's Rent viz.: at Mien" xvjs. ixd. & at T'aauuc: xijs. vujd...... xxixs. v<2. [More paving & vjd. ob. per yard.] Payments for cleansing 'the streets and gathering stone at Kearsby. Paid to Abrahm Shelton his halfe yeares stipend for over seeing the townes work the 29 of June being due at May day before ...... xxs. [1587-8.] Michaelmas 1587, and Annunciation 1588. Total receipts £20 5s. 7d. [1587-8.] Pd to Jon Withers towards a sturke for the queues gvision iijs. viijd. Paid to Math. Hawley for crowskaringing & powder ...... xijd. [1588.] It' pa vnto Mr. Giles for ye spynye milne due vnto his father ...... iiij2i. xiijs. iiijd. Paid vntp Mathewe lacy the 10 of July for the furnishing of muytion when he was Cunstable viz.: 15S8 ...... iijK. xvs. [1588-9.] Itffi paid for a pottell of sacke the 18 of Septembre la?t for the Justice ...... ijs. The above long account extending over several years allowed, 5th October, 1589, in the presence of many townspeople. [1589-90.] Henry Gulson, Townwarden. MELTON MOWBRAY TOWN RECORDS. 881

[1590-92 J Henry Shipwarde and Hew Elwood, Townwardens. [1592-4.] William Trigge & Thomas Blythe Townwardens payde for niendinge the clappers * at Nottinghm for eastinge of them & the cariuge in Au° 159J as apith ...... xvs. vj

[1595.] William Trigge and Matthew Lacy, Townwardens. Kepairs at Burton Bridge £8 6s. 7d. Jesus Ano 1596. [1596.] Wyllyam Atkynn and Wyllyam Mabbes towne wardes The iiij"1 of Apryll 1596 paid the churche wardens for to provyd bredde and wyne for the Receavinge of the comunyon agenste Ester ...... xxs. The same Daye paid vnto a pore skoller by the apoyntmente by Mr. Lacye [& 2 others] ...... xviijrf. [Repairs at School house.] The xiijth of Janeuary 15y(i-[7] paid to Andrew Lasye wc" is towards the makinge of a becon at bucmester the some of.. vs. Mem. The Orgar Leys were purchased by the Town in 1596-7. The money was raised chiefly by fines by the Tenants of the Town lands and houses, and by calling in money on Bond. The payments are: Mony layde forthe this year 1596 as hearafter followeth for the purchesinge of Orger leyes. Paid to Mr. Bowne for vewinge the evidence belonginge to the towne ...... vs. viijd. Paid to Mr. Bowne for comynge to Meltnn for his counsel! & charges ...... xxiijs. Paid to Mr. Pate for the Purchase of Orgar Leas ...... xlit. Paid for wyne & Suger to gyve Mr. Pate ...... vs. Sma xljK. xiijs. \iijd. [1597.] Wjllyam Atkjnn & Thomas Dudley town wardens. [1598.] Item payd to Mr. Chauntler the xxiij of November 1598 for hym to gyve Mr. Sutton at his going away ...... Is. Item payd to Mr. Chauntler the xxj of December 1588 for his paynes that he tooke w" the pettye scollers ...... Is. [Mr. Roger Chauntler was school master—salary £10 pr annum.] [1599.] Willyam Atkynn and Edwarde Homes towne wardens .... [Total reels A'30 . 10 . 4.] Paid Mr. Chantler for techinge the chyldren in the oushers absence beinge halffe a yere is ...... jli. vs. Paid Wyllyam fletcher ovsher for a quarter of a yeare and odd wycks the some of ...... jK. xs. Paid vnto one Robarte Yates a sodiare maymed towards his sopper & Lodginge the some of ...... ijd. Paid the crowners for ther flyes vppon the inquisession of the dethe of Smelle the some of ...... xiijs. iiijd. Paid the belye and amner to carry the pryssoners to the gayle a Lester that tyme the some of ...... vjs. viijd. Paid them for the gelers fee for the pryssoners some is .. js. xd. Paid at the swan for the prysoners soppers breakfasts fyare & candell all nyght the some of ...... iijs. iiijd. Paid for ij watchemen watchinge all nyght the some of.... js. Paid a boye to bringe the horsses home from Jester ...... vjd. * Of the Church Bells. 882 LEICESTEESHIRE ARCHITECTURAL SOCIETY. Paid Mr. Horseley for his horse for a pryssoner to tester.. j*. Paid for corde to pennyon the pryssoners the some of .... j. vj

Note :—It would be foreign to my purpose, and, in other respects out of place, to enter here upon local matters in dispute; but I may be permitted to call the atten­ tion of the inhabitants of Melton to the fact that the Town Estate was purchased for the benefit of the whole community; that whereas now there are Elementary Schools only, there was formerly, and for very many years, a Grammar School also, so that all classes had a, fair share in the proportion of the proceeds of the Town Estate devoted to Educational Work. For some years the Upper or Grammar School has been in abeyance, and the large sum of £390 yearly spent upon Elementary Schools only. This is clearly a departure from.original custom and intention, and is not only a serious loss to a large portion of the community, but a great hindrance to the progress of the Town. ' . INDEX.

Page Ab Kettleby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 214 Accounts, Statement of, .. .. 10, 78, 133, 192, 245 Agar, Mr., exhibits Antiquities .. .. 187,328 „ on Discovery of Plates belonging to Nichols' History 253 Annual Meetings .. .. 10,78.131,191,242,321 Annual Summer Meeting for 1871, at Uppingham . 88 » „ for 1872, at Lutterworth .. 149 „ for 1873, at Coventry . .. 202 „ for 1874, at Leicester .. .. 263 Architecture and Archaeology, Lord Alwyne Compton on .. 88 Ashby, Captain, exhibits Antiquities ...... 328 Ashby Folville Church, Visit to .. . .. 303 Ayston Church, and Visit to ...... 92 Baker, Rev. J. L., on " Peg-meryll" ...... 95 Barber, Mr. W., exhibits Plans ...... 81, 82 Barkby Church, Visit to ...... 307 Barkstone, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 216 Barmouth, Roman Relic from ...... 107 Barnard, Mr., exhibits Antiquities ...... 59 Barrow and Sileby, Roman Remains from .. .. 318 Bassett Family, the Rev. J. H. Hill on .. , k 25 Beeby Church, Tiles from ...... 138 Belgrave, Coin found at ...... 329 Bellairs, Major, exhibits Antiquities, &c. .. 2, 14, 25, 187 „ „ on Leaden Coffins found in Leicester .. 246 „ „ on Trinity Hospital, Leicester .. .. 309 Beveridge, Bishop, Rev. John Fisher on .. .. 4 Blatherwycke Church, and Visit to .. .. 102 Bloxam, Mr. M. H., on some Leicestershire Churches .. 299 Bosworth, Free Chapel at ...... 16 Bottesford, Chantry at ...... 16,16 „ Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 219 „ Small Bell found at ...... 325 Bowden Magna, Chantry at ...... 16 Brentingby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 219 Brinklow, Visit to ...... 181 Buckminster, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 215 886 INDEX. Page Bull, Mr., exhibits Antiquities ...... 187 „ elected Minute Secretary ...... 254 Bulla of Clement VI...... 13 „ of Alexander IV...... 135 Bulwick Church, and Visit to ...... 102 Burfield, Canon, exhibits Antiquities .. .. 193,199,325,329 Burton-Lazars, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 214 Burtt, Mr. Josh., F. S. A., on Leicester Abbey .. .. 32 Castle Donington, Chantry at ...... 16 Castor (Northants), Roman Relics from .. 138,185 Church Vandalism, Mr. Wing on ...... 145 Claybrook Church, Visit to ...... 183 Coffins, Leaden, found at Leicester ...... 246 Cold Overtoil, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 214 Compton, Lord Alwyne, on Architecture, &c. .. .. 88 Coombe Abbey, Visit to ...... 182 Coston, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 215 Seal found at .. .. 262 Coventry, Meeting at ...... 202 „ Local Nomenclature of .. .. 205 Cradley Priory...... 15 (opposite to.) Croxton, Chantry at ...... 17 Croxton Kerrial, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 218 Deene Church, and Visit to ...... 103 Dryden, Sir Hy., on the Master's House, S. John's Hospital, Northampton ...... 98 „ „ Makes Drawings of Wyggeston's Hospital 253,317 Eastwell, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 216 Eaton, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 213 Edmondthorpe, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 215 Ellis, Messrs. W. H. and A., exhibit Antiquities .. .. 318 Elmesthorpe, History, &c., of ...... 170 Evington Parish Records ...... 319 Excursion (1870 •• •• •• .. 92, 100 „ (1872) ...... 180 (1873) ...... 212 (1874) ...... 299 Eye-Kettleby, Curious Inventory connected with . .. 264 Farebrother, Rev. T., exhibits Antiquities, &c. .. 107, Ip3, 325 Farndon, East, Antique from ...... 138 INDEX. 387 Page Fisher, Rev. John, on Bishop Beveridge .. .. 4 „ „ on Coats of Arms ...... 327 Fletcher, Mr., exhibits Photograph . .. .. 59 Fletcher, Mr. W. G. Dimock, exhibits Books, &c .. 227, 245, 246 Fowke's, Richard, " Ephemeris" ...... 293 Freeby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 213 Fretton, Mr., on Coventry Local Nomenclature .. • 205 Fry, Mr. exhibits Antiquities ...... 224 Gaddesby Church, Visit to .. .. 301 Garendon, Monastery of .. .. 15 (opposite to) Garthorpe, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 218 Glaston Church, and Visit to . .. 93 Glen Parva, Saxon Antiquities found there .. 113, 187 „ other Relics found there, .. .. 187 Goadby Marwood, Inventory of Church Goods at .. 215 Goddard, Mr., exhibits Antiquities ...... 14 Grace-Dieu Monastery ...... 15 (opposite to) Grimston, Captain, exhibits Antiquities .. .. 328 Grimstone Church, Mr. Wing on ...... 128 Groby, Curious Jug found at ...... 107 Halfords, the, of Welham ...... 83 Hames, Mr. Josh., exhibits Antiquities .. .. 113 Harby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 216 Harringworth Church, and Visit to ...... 101 Hathern, Document relating to ...... 228 Hill, Rev. J. H., F.S.A., exhibits Antiquities, &c. 1, 7, 25, 81, 82, 105, 134, 138, 1S5, 186, 212, 224, 227, 245 „ „ „ on Cist-vaen at Stonton Wyville . 3, 7 ,, „ „ on The Bassett Family .. .. 25 „ „ „ on The Bishopric of Peterborough and its Prelates .. .. 60 „ „ „ on The Halfords of Welham :. 83 „ „ „ Notes on Rutland .. .. 97 Hinckley, Discovery of Coins near to ...... 114 Holyland, Mr., calls attention to Alderman Newton's Monu­ ment .. .. •• •• 194,224 Hose, Inventory of Church Goods at .. •• .. 217 Huncote, Chantry at .. •• ..17,59 Hunt, Mr. John, exhibits Antiquities, &c. 3, 15, 25, 59, 82, 100, 107, 138, 193, 199, 224, 246, 246, 329 „ „ on Thurnby Church...... 123 888 INDEX. Pftge Illustrations:— Cist-vaen at Stonton Wyville ...... 7 Headstones at Thurnby .. .-. .. 126 Leicester Stained Glass 142, 187, 200, 220, 234, 237, 239, 241, 251, (two sheets) 254, 257, 259 Ancient Glass Vial found at Lutterworth .. . 156 Anglo-Saxon Coin struck at Leicester .. .. 195 Pedigree of Pate Family ...... 271 Inventories of Framland Hundred ...... 213 Jewry Wall, Leicester ...... 53,132 Jews, the, and Jewry Wall, Leicester ...... 48 Joyce, the Rev. J. G., on Jewry Wall ...... 54 „ „ on Roman Leicester .. .. 55 Jug, Curious, found at Groby ...... 107 Kelly, Mr., on Ancient .Seal of Leicester .. .. 225 „ exhibits Antiquities ...... 327 Kenilworth Castle, Mr. James Thompson on .. .. 203 Kilworth, South, Glass Vial found at .. .. 135, 154 Kirby Hall, Visit to ...... 103 Kirby Sellers Priory ...... 15 (opposite to) „ „ Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 219 Knight, Colonel, exhibits Antiquities, &c, .. 113, 187 Knighton, Ring found at ...... 328 Knipton Church, Ancient Coffin at .. .. . 15 „ Ancient Sculptures at " ...... 59 Inventory of'Church Goods at .. .. 215 Langley Priory...... 15 (opposite to) „ „ fnrentory of ...... 117 Laxton Church, and Visit to ...... 101 Leicester, Roman Remains at, 2,14, 8], 106, 106, 107, 113, 134, 135, 185, 187, 193, 184, 308, 328. „ Collegiate Church of S. Mary at .. .. 19 „ College of S. Mary de Castro .. .. 19 „ Guild of Corpus Christi .. .. ' .. 21 „ Guild of S. Margaret ...... 21 .» Wyggeston's Hospital in .. 21, 52, 105, 112,317 „ Abbey, Contributions to the History of .. 32 „ Jews and the Jewry Wall ...... 48 „ Roman ...... 55 „ Seal found in ...... 81 „ Jewry Wall ...... 132 INDEX. 889 Pago Leicester, Continued. „ Ancient Stained Glass 133, 138, 187, 199, 220, 232, 250, 254 Marks on Samian Ware found in .. .. 135 Tradesman's Token ...... 138 ,, Anglo-Saxon Coins struck at .. .. 194 S. Nicolas' Church ...... 224 ., Ancient Seal of...... 225 Leaden Coffin found at ...... 246 „ S. Martin's Church ...... 2/3 S. Nicolas' Church ...... 277 S. Mary's Church ...... 276 All Saints'Church ...... 278 S. Margaret's Church ...... 279 „ Public Meeting at ...... 279 Trinity Hospital ...... 309 Tiles from all Saints'Church .. .. 318 Castle, Ring found in ...... 327 Leicester Frith, Coin found at ...... 14 Leicestershire, Chantries of ...... 15 „ Recent Find of Roman Coins in .. 36 Little Dalby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 215 Long Clawson, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 214 Loughborough, Chantry at ...... 17 Lutterworth, Guild at ...... 17 „ Roman Coins found at ...... 36 Glass Vial found at .. .. 135,154 „ General Meeting at ...... 149 „ Church, Mr. Poole on .. . .. 149 „ Secular History of ...... 159 Lyddington Church, and Visit to . .. .. 93

Melton Mowbray Church, Remarks on Works at .. 145 ,, „ Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 217 „ „ Document relating to .. .. 324 „ „ Town Records .. . . 329 Misterton Church, Visit to .. ..158 Monks Kirby, Visit to ...... 180 Mulberry Tree at Leicester Infirmary ...... 83 Mural Painting at Thornton Church ...... 2 Muston, Inventory of Church Goods at .. 216 Nevinson, Mr. G. H., exhibits Antiquities -2, 3, 7, 81, 107, 113, 186, 262, 309, 328, 328 890 INDEX. Page Nevinson, Mr. G. H., on Alderman Newton's Tombstone .. 224 Nevinson, Mr. Thomas,'exhibits Antiquities .. .. 14,328 „ ,, on the Ancient Churches of Leicester 273 Newarke, Leicester, Cast found in ...... 82 Newnham Paddox, Visit to ...... 180 Newton, Alderman Gabriel, his Tombstone .. 194, 324 North, Mr., F.S.A., exhibits Antiquities, &c. .. 7, 12, 15, r06, 106 „ Annual Report for 1869 .. .. 11 ,, „ „ ,, for 1870 .. .. 78 „ „ Prefatory Note on Langley Priory . • 117 „ Annual Report for 1871 •• .. 131 „ „ on Leicester Ancient Stained Glass, General Description ... .. 138 „ „ Ditto: The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary .. .. 142 „ „ „ The Presentation in the Temple .. 143 „ ,, The Resurrection .. .. 187 „ „ „ The Ascension .. .. 189 „ „ „ Our Lord in Glory .. .. 200 „ „ The Birth of the Virgin Mary .. 200 „ ,, „ The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary .. .. 220 „ • „ „ Coronation of the Virgin .. 221 „ „ „ The Seven Sacraments .. 232 „ • ,, „ The Acts of Mercy .. .. 250 „ „ „ SS. Margaret, Catharine, Christo­ pher, and George 254 „ „ „ Town Crest and Town Arms .. 259 „ „ „ Concluding Remarks .. .. 260 „ Annual Report for 1872 .. .. 191 „ „ „ „ for 1873 .. .. 242 „ „ Resigns a portion of his work as Honorary Secretary ...... 254 ,, „ Notes on the connection of the Pate Family with Eye-Kettleby and Sysonby .. 263 „ „ on S. Martin's Church, Leicester . 273 „ ,, Notes on Evington Parish Records .. 319 „ Annual Report for 1 671 .. 321 ,, „ on Document relating to Melton Mowbray 324 ,, „ on Melton Mowbray Town Records .. 329 Norwegian Ring .. • • • - .. 326 Nosely, Chapel at ...... 17 INDEX. 391 Page Offa, Coin of ...... 326 Offices, Book of ...... 12 Olveston ( Owstm) Chantry of .. ..15 (opposite to), 22 „ „ MS. relating to .. .. 328 Ordish and Traylin exhibit Plans, &c. .. .. 81, 134, 184 Ordish, Mr., on S. Nicolas' Church, Leicester . .. 224

Paget, Mr. A. H., exhibits Antiquities .. 308, 318 Palaeolithic and Neolithic Remains ...... 179 Parker, Mr. J. H., F.S.A., on Wyggeston's Hospital .. 52 Pate Family, Notes on connection with Eye-Kettleby and Sysonby 263 Pate, Edward, Inventory of his Goods .. .. 264 Peckleton, Bulla and Coin found at .. .. 13 " Peg-meryll," Rev. J. L. Baker on ...... 95 Peterborough, Bishopric of, and its Prelates .. .. 60 Picton, Rev. J. O., on Suggestiveness of the Names of Places.. 298 Plungar, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 217 Poole, the Rev. G. A., on Post Mortem .. .. 97 „ „ on Lutterworth Church .. . 149 Pownall, Rev. Canon, F.S.A., exhibits Antiquities 13, 135, 138, 193,199, 325, 326 ,[ „ on a Sterling of Marie D'Artois.. 13 ,, ,, on Recent Find of Roman Coins in Leicestershire 36 „ on Mediaeval Glass Vials .. 154 „ „ on S. Bartholomew Medal 193 „ „ on Treasure Trove and Anglo- Saxon Coins struck at Leices­ ter .. .. 194 on Coin of Offa .. .. 326 Preston Church, and Visit to ...... 92

Queniborough Church, Visit to ...... 306 Quorndon, Chapel at ...... 18

Rearsby Church, Visit to ...... 300 Redmile, Inventory of Church Goods at .. 216 Rendell, Rev. A. M., on Lightning Conductors .. .. 190 „ „ exhibits Antiquities .. 262, 309 Report, Annual, for 1869 .. •• •• • U „ for 1870 .. .. .- ... 78 „ for 1871 .. -• .- .- 131 F F ' VOL. IV. 392 XNDEX. Page Report, Annual, for 1872 ...... 191 „ „ for 1873 ...... 242 „ „ for 1874 .. • '...... 321 Richardson, Rev. F., exhibits Antiquities .. .. 329 Ring, Ancient, found at Leicester Castle .. .. 327 „ Norwegian, ...... 326 „ Roman, found near Wolverhampton .. 328 Rockingham Church, and Visit to . .. .. 103 Rolls of the Mayors of Leicester ...... 280 Roman Remains, Seaton ...... 1 „ „ Leicester, 2, 14, 81, 106, 106, 107, 113, 134, 135, 185, 187, 193, 194,308, 328 „ from Barmouth ...... 107 „ „ from Castor .. .. 138, 185 „ „ from Sileby and Barrow .. .. 318 „ „ from Wolverhampton .. .. 328 Royal Archaeological Institute, Visit to Leicester 1, 3, 6, 12, 32 Rutland, Drawings of Churches, &c., in .. .. 15

Saltby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 219 Samian Ware, Mr. Weatherhead oh Potters' Marks on .. 135 Sapcote, Chantry at ...... 18 „ Antique from ...... 186 S. Tudno's Church, North Wales ...... 108 Sankey, Rev. John, exhibits Antiquities .. .. 272 Saxby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 214 Saxon Remains found at Glen Parva ...... 113 „ Coins struck at Leicester .. . .. 194 Scalford, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 218 Seal, Mediaeval, found in Leicester ...... 81 Seaton, Rutland, Roman Relics from ...... - 1 „ „ Church, and Visit to .. .. 100 Sharpe, Mr., on Palaeolithic and Neolithic Remains .. 179 Sileby and Barrow, Roman Remains from .. .. 318 Somerby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 215 Spencer, Mr. John, exhibits Antiquities, &c. . .. 108 Sproxton, Inventory of Church Goods at .. 217, 224 Stained Glass from Weston on Trent ...... 107 „ „ Ancient in Leicester 133, 138, 187, 199, 220, 232, 250, 254 Stamford, S. John's Hospital at . .. 98 INDEX. 898 Page Stapleford. Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 218 Stathern, Chantry at ...... 19 „ Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 216 Stephens, Mr., exhibits Drawing of Roman Pavement .. 194 Stockerston, Chantry at ...... 19 Stoke Dry Church, and Visit to ...... 94 Stonesby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 218 Stonton Wyville, Cist-Vaen at ...... 3 » ,, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 219 Stretton, Chantry at ...... 19 Suggestiveness of the Names of Places .. .. 298 Swinford, Chantry at ...... 18 Sysonby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 219 „ Ancient Chalice at ...... 269 Pate Family at ...... 269 Syston, Chantry at ...... 19 „ Church, Visit to ...... 299

Tail, Mr., exhibits Plans ...... 81 Thompson, Mr. James, on the Jews and the Jewry Wall .. 48 „ „ on Jewry Wall .. .. 53 „ „ on Roman Leicester .. .. 57 „ on Wyggeston's Hospital.. .. 105 „ „ on S. Tudno's Church, &c. .. 108 „ „ on Discovery of Coins at Hinckley .. 114 „ „ on Secular History of Lutterworth .. 159 „ „ on Kenilworth Castle .. .. 203 „ „ on Proposed Demolition of Wyggeston's Hospital...... 229 „ „ exhibits Antiquities .. .. 105 „ „ on Rolls of the Mayors of Leicester .. 280 Thornton Church, Mural Painting at ...... 2 Thorpe Arnold, Inventory of Church Goods at .. 218 Thorpe Langton, a Pitcher found at .. .. 245 Thurnby Church, Mr. Hunt on, .. .. 15, 25, 100, 123 Tower, Rev. E., on History, &c., of Elmsthorpe .. .. 170 „ „ Richard Fowke's "Ephemeris" .. .. 293 Traylin, Mr., exhibits Antiquities 138, 185, 187, 199, 220, 227 232 „ Thanked for Drawing Leicester Ancient Glass .. 262 Treasure Trove, Canon Pownall on .. .. 194 Trinity Hospital, Leicester ...... 309 Twyford Church, Visit to ...... 306 394 INDEX. Page Ulverscroft Priory ...... 16 (opporitt to) Uppingham, Meeting at ...... 82, 88

Vials, Mediaeval, Curious, Canon Pownall on . .. 154

Wallcott, the Rev. Prebendary £. C. Mackenzie, on the Chantries of Leicestershire and the Inventory of Olveston .. 22 „ ., on Inventory of Langley Priory , .. 117 ,, „ on Inventories of Framland Hundred, temp. Ed. VI...... 213 Waltham, Inventory of Church Goods at . .. 214 Wanlip, Ring found at .. .. 325 Weatherhead, Mr., exhibits Antiquities . 2, 3, 81, 106, 134, 135 185 „ on Potters'Marks on Samian Ware .. 135 Welby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. 213 Welham Church, Fan found in ...... 81 „ The Halfords of ...... 83 Wellingborough, Coin found at ...... 327 Whitby, Captain, exhibits Antiquities, &c. .. 82, 105, 273, 328 „ „ on Badge of Leicestershire Militia .. 252 Wing, Mr. V., on Grimstone Church ...... 128 „ „ on Church Vandalism ...... 145 Withcote, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 217 Withybrook Church, Visit to ...... 183 Wyfordby, Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 213 Wyggeston's Hospital, Leicester 21, 52, 105, 112, 229, 253, 254, 327 „ „ „ Drawings of .. .. 317 Wymondham, Free Chapel at ...... 19 „ Inventory of Church Goods at .. .. 218 „ Ancient Communion Cup at .. .. 269

END OF VOLUME IV.

SAMUEL CLARKE, PRINTER, LEICESTER.